Erbb interface peptidomimetics and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

Peptides, mimetics and antibodies of erbB, TNF, and IgSF receptors and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are described. Methods of using such antibodies, peptides, and mimetics in therapeutic, prophylactic, imaging and diagnostic applications are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) of Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/282,037, filed 2001 Apr. 6, 2001, and 60/309,864, filed Aug. 3, 2001, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to treatments and diagnoses for mammalian tumors. More particularly this invention is directed to methods of preventing, treating, and diagnosing mammalian cancer tumors using mimetics and antibodies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Members of the c-erbB (erbB) family of receptor tyrosine kinase genes, including epidermal growth factor receptor c-erbB1 (EGFr, HER1), c-erbB2 (HER2, neu, p185), c-erbB-3 (HER3), and c-erbB-4 (HER4), are known to be oncogenes that encode cell surface receptor proteins. The receptors, under some circumstances, display abnormal kinase activities that contribute to cell proliferation and transformation.

ErbB family receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) form homodimeric, heterodimeric, or perhaps oligomeric complexes that are catalytically active and, thereby, couple extracellular signals with alterations of cellular growth and differentiation status. Their ligands and subsequent receptor-mediated signaling have been implicated in survival, proliferation and differentiation in a variety of cell types (reviewed in Dougall et al. 1994; O'Rourke, et al. 1997; Pinkas-Kramarski, et al. 1997; Tzahar and Yarden 1998).

All members of the erbB family share structural features, including an extracellular ligand binding domain that contains four subdomains, including two cysteine-rich subdomains, a single amphipathic transmembrane domain, and an intracellular kinase domain. The kinase domain shows the highest degree of amino acid sequence similarity (about 80%) among members of this family.

Overexpression of erbB receptors has been found in many types of human cancer, raising the possibility that receptor-linked therapies may be useful as cancer management strategies. EGFr (erbB 1) is the most extensively studied member in this family. The EGFr gene is amplified and rearranged in many human brain tumors of glial origin and in some cell lines. Ullrich et al, has found the gene for the EGFr cellular analogue of the avian vital oncogene v-erb-B. (Ullrich et al, Nature, Vol. 309, pp. 418-425, 1984). The EGFr receptor is a transmembrane glycoprotein of about 170 kDa (Cohen, J. Biol. Chem., Vol. 258, pp. 1523-1531, 1982). Overexpression of the EGFr has been found in a variety of tumors, including bladder, esophagus, lung, glioblastoma and breast. In breast cancers, over 40% of the tumors are EGFr positive, and EGFr levels negatively correlate with steroid receptor (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) levels. The EGF-receptor exists in two kinetic forms (low affinity and high-affinity receptors) that may be inter-convertible. (Fernandez-Pol, Biol. Chem., Vol. 260, pp 5003-5011, 1985.) Expression of EGF-receptors has been implicated in the progression of tumor growth. In addition, an association has been detected between late stages of melanoma development and extra copies of the chromosome carrying the EGFr gene. (Koprowski et al., Somatic Cell and Molecular Genetics, Vol. 11, pp. 297-302, 1985.)

A variety of strategies have also been developed for targeting the erbB1 receptor including monoclonal antibodies, ligand-linked immunotoxins, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and antisense approaches. (Zhang et al., 2000.) Of all the members of the erbB family, erbB2 is the most correlated to breast cancer, ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer. Initially identified in rat neuroglioblastomas induced by a carcinogen ethylnitrosourea, neu (also known as her2/erbB2) is a proto-oncogene encoding a 185 kDa receptor-tyrosine-kinase which is highly homologous with, but distinct from, EGFr. The translation product of the erbB-2 oncogene is p185, a transmembrane glycoprotein having tyrosine kinase activity and a molecular weight of about 185,000 daltons as determined by carrying out electrophoresis on the glycoprotein and comparing its movement with marker proteins of known molecular weight. Experiments have shown that p185 forms homodimers with other p185 molecules or heterodimers with epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR (erbB 1) and that these dimers exhibit elevated tyrosine kinase activity, which brings about the transformed phenotype in cells having such dimers.

Amplification of the erbB2 gene, the human homologue of neu, and subsequent overexpression of the polypeptide product p185 has been identified in 25-30% of primary breast and ovarian cancers, although no oncogenic point mutation has been detected in erbB2 associated with human carcinomas. In murine fibroblasts NIH3T3 and NR6, overexpression of erbB2 results in transformation, indicating that oncogenic mutation is not necessary for erbB2. Previous work has shown that overexpression of erbB2/neu can lead to oligomers which have enhanced kinase activity.

Overexpression of the erbB2 gene in human breast cancer is also associated with a poor prognosis and resistance to hormonal treatment and chemotherapy. Advanced stages of malignancy, characterized by large tumor size and increased number of positive lymph nodes as well as reduced survival time and decreased time to relapse, was directly correlated with an increased level of amplification of the neu gene. The neu protooncogene is expressed at low levels in normal human tissues.

c-erbB3 is expressed in a variety of normal tissues of epithelial origin and is overexpressed in a subset of human mammary tumors. c-erbB4 (erbB3) is most predominantly expressed in several breast carcinoma cell lines and also in normal skeletal muscle, heart, pituitary, and cerebellum. The erbB3 receptor has only limited kinase activity. Overexpression of the erbB3 or erbB4 alone cannot transform NIH3T3 cells, even in the presence of ligand. It is suggested that the contribution of erbB3 and erbB4 to tumorigenicity depends on heterodimerization with the EGFr or erbB2.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and fragments from them have been used clinically for the diagnosis and treatment of many different human diseases (Dougall et al 1994, Oncogene 2109-23). The anti-tumor efficacy of mAbs not only requires specificity towards tumor antigens which show enhanced expression in neoplastic tissue, but also must demonstrate the desired biological effect, namely, the inhibition of tumor growth. U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,918, e.g., discloses a cancer treatment using monoclonal antibodies directed at surface antigens of human mammary adenocarcinoma cells.

Capone et al., JNCI 72: 673-677, (1984), investigated the relationship between antigen density and immunotherapeutic response elicited by monoclonal antibodies against solid tumors. These investigators used monoclonal antibodies specific against human breast cancer. It was found that passively administered monoclonal antibody can be effective in producing a tumor regression response against solid tumors. Tumoricidal response with monoclonal antibody appeared to be exponentially related to the density of the antigen on the cells. U.S. Pat. No. 6,252,050 describes methods for generating cross-reactive antibodies. Antibodies against p185 and methods of using such antibodies are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,165,464, 5,772,997, 5,770,195, 5,725,856, 5,720,954, and 5,677,171, which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,157 describes antibodies against EGFR. U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,571 discloses a cancer treatment using monoclonal antibodies directed at the EGFr generated from the A431 carcinoma cell line. Each of the aforementioned U.S. patents is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the case of receptor-dimerization, a construct containing the extracellular domain plus the transmembrane domain of p185 was able to initiate the p185-EGFr dimerization (Qian et al, PNAS 91, 1500, 1994). Later, an alternative transcript product of p185 with only subdomain I and II was found to be able to dimerize with p185 (Doherty et al. PNAS 1999, 96, 10869).

An approach for disabling receptor activity is to target protein-protein interactions involved in receptor functioning. Since protein-protein interactions play a key role in various mechanisms of cellular growth and differentiation, and viral replication, inhibition of these interactions is a promising novel approach for rational drug design against a wide number of cellular and viral targets (Zutshi et al., Curr Opin Chem Biol 1998, 2, 62-66; Peczuh et al., Chem. Rev. 2000, 100, 2479-2494). Binding of polypeptide hormones, growth factors or cytokines to cell-surface receptors activates dimerization (oligomerization) of the receptors which leads to the signal transduction to the interior of the cell (Heldin, Cell 1995, 80, 213-223). While most of the receptor inhibitors developed to date have been focused on the blockade of receptor-ligand or enzyme-substrate interactions, repression of receptor-receptor interactions that accompany oligomerization also represents an important objective for disabling receptor functioning.

Although ligand-induced homo- and heterodimerization of the full-length native erbB receptors has been established and well documented, experimental data on self-associations of the extracellular domains of these receptors is somewhat contradictory. In analytical ultra centrifugation and MALLS studies, ligand-induced homodimerization has been demonstrated for erbB1 and erbB4 (Ferguson et al., EMBO J. 2000, 19, 4632-4643). However, no homo-oligomerization could be observed for the erbB3 receptor and the only erbB receptor combinations that produced heterodimers in the presence of HRGβ1 were erbB2/erbB4 and to a smaller extent erbB2/erbB3. In contrast, both erbB3 homodimerization and erbB3/erbB2 heterodimerization have been reported for the ectodomains, but these effects could only be observed when ectodomains of the receptors were anchored to the membrane (Tzahar et al., EMBO J. 1997, 16, 4938-4950). Landgraf and Eisenberg have reported ligand-independent self-association of erbB3 ectodomains that could be disrupted by HRGβ1 (Landgraf et al., Biochemistry 2000, 39, 8503-8511). Both monomeric and oligomeric forms of erbB3 were detected in the presence of HRGβ1 by size-exclusion chromatography. Addition of the ligand produced a shift toward a low-molecular mass species.

The present inventors have identified distinct extracellular subdomains of erbB2 that are involved in heterodimerization with erbB1 (Kumagai et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2001, 98, 5526-5531). Peptidomimetics against subdomain IV alter the heteromeric signaling and transforming activities induced by EGF after associating with EGFR. Peptidometics and antibodies that target subdomain IV are therefore useful as therapeutic agents against erbB-expressing tumors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to antibodies which bind to assembly epitopes of erbB 1, erbB2, erbB3, erbB4 and assembly epitopes of TNF receptors.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to antibodies which block the oligomerization of receptors. In some preferred embodiments, the antibodies are induced by immunizing with a peptide or protein subdomain containing structural elements involved in the oligomerization. In some embodiments, the structural element is a cystine knot.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to antibodies which bind to subdomains of erbB1, erbB2, erbB3, erbB4, TNF receptors, or members of the IgSF, or assemblies thereof, that contain cystine knots.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to antibodies which bind to cystine knots of erbB1, erbB2, erbB3, and erbB4, or to cystine knots of TNF receptors.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising which binds to erbB receptors or to TNF receptors. Some embodiments relate to injectable pharmaceuticals which are sterile and pyrogen free.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to antibodies which bind to interaction surfaces in the extracellular domains of erbB receptors or to interaction surfaces in the extracellular domains of TNF receptors.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to peptides which mimic erbB receptors or TNF receptors. In some preferred embodiments, the peptides mimic an extracellular domain of an erbB receptor or of an extracellular domain of a TNF receptor. In more preferred embodiments, the peptides mimic subdomain IV of the erbB receptor. In even more preferred embodiments, the peptides mimic the S22 or S23 loop of the erbB receptor.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to mimetics of erbB receptors or TNF receptors. In some preferred embodiments, the mimetic is a mimetic of an extracellular domain of an erbB receptor or of an extracellular domain of a TNF receptor. In more preferred embodiments, the mimetic is a mimetic of subdomain IV of the erbB receptor. In even more preferred embodiments, the mimetic is a mimetic of the S22 or S23 loop of the erbB receptor.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising peptides or mimetics of erbB receptors or TNF receptors, in combination with anti-cancer drugs. Some such embodiments are injectable pharmaceuticals which are sterile and pyrogen free.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of treating human patients having solid tumors by administering to the patient peptides or mimetics of or antibodies to erbB receptors. In some such embodiments the administration of peptides, mimetics or antibodies may optionally be followed by exposing the patient to a therapeutically effective amount of anti-cancer radiation. In some other embodiments, the administration of peptides, mimetics, or antibodies is performed in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments the administration of peptides, mimetics or antibodies is performed in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a chemotherapeutic agent and followed by exposing the patient to a therapeutically effective amount of anti-cancer radiation.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of treating human patients having solid tumors by administering to the patient peptides or mimetics of erbB receptors that are conjugated to radioactive, chemotherapeutic, or photodynamic therapeutic agents.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising antibodies which bind to erbB or TNF receptors that are conjugated to radioactive or chemotherapeutic agents. Some embodiments relate to injectable pharmaceuticals which are sterile and pyrogen free.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of preventing tumors in human patients by administering to the patient anti-erbB antibodies.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of preventing tumors in human patients by administering to the patient peptide or mimetics of erbB receptors.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of imaging erbB tumors in human patients having such tumors using detectable anti-erbB antibodies.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising detectable antibodies which bind to erbB receptors, to TNF receptor, or to members of the IgSF. Some embodiments relate to injectable pharmaceuticals which are sterile and pyrogen free.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to diagnostic kits and to methods for imaging and/or detecting solid tumors using anti-erbB antibodies.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of preventing tumors in a mammal which comprises administering to said mammal an agent selected from the group consisting of a peptide consisting essentially of an erbB subdomain IV, a peptide consisting essentially of an erbB subdomain IV peptide wherein between 1-10 amino amino acids of the subdomain have been substituted with a conservative amino acid, and a peptide consisting essentially of between 10-25 contiguous amino acids of a an erbB subdomain IV.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a vaccine for preventing tumors in a mammal which comprises an active agent selected from the group consisting of a peptide consisting essentially of an erbB subdomain IV, a peptide consisting essentially of an erbB subdomain IV peptide wherein between 1-10 amino amino acids of the subdomain have been substituted with a conservative amino acid, and a peptide consisting essentially of between 10-25 contiguous amino acids of a an erbB subdomain IV and an adjuvant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A-B represents the schematic representation of the expression vectors and heterodimer formation between EGFr and Neu mutants. FIG. 1A depicts the schematic representation of the expression vectors. FIG. 1B depicts heterodimer formation between EGFr and Neu mutants.

FIG. 2A-C. Molecular model of ErbB-2: Second cysteine rich domain proximal to transmembrane (S22) is shown (A). This module adopts a similar topology as that of the TNF receptor. Peptides designed from A2-like domains are exocyclic (S22-AFA; B) while peptides from B2-like domains (S23-BPT; C) are fashioned as full cystine knots.

FIG. 3A-B. Surface plasmon resonance analysis of the interaction between the B2-S22-APE peptide and the ectodomain of erbB2 (A) or erbB2-SbdIV (B). Dose response.

FIG. 4. Surface plasmon resonance analysis of the inhibitory effect of the B2-S22-AFA peptide on the heregulin-induced oligomerization of erbB receptors. ErbB 1, erbB2, and erbB3 were immobilized on the surface chip and 300 nM erbB3 was injected either alone (1′, 2′, 3′) or in the presence of 5 μM HRGβ1 (1′″, 2′″, 3′″). Traces 1″, 2″ and 3″ show binding of erbB3 to the immobilized receptors in the presence of HRGβ1 after pre-injection of B2-S22-AFA at 10 μM.

FIG. 5. Inhibitory effect of the B2-S22-AFA and B3-S22-APQ peptides on the heregulin activation and dimerization of ErbB receptor. (A) 32D-E2/E4 cells were incubated in the absence (−) or presence (+) of 10 μg/ml HRGβ1 and 10 μg/ml erbB peptides and analyzed by chemical cross-linking and immunoblotting experiments as described in the Experimental Procedures. (B) Dose dependence of the inhibitory effect by the B2-S22-AFA peptide.

FIG. 6. Inhibitory activity of the erbB peptides against the growth of T6-17 cells studied in an MTT assay.

FIG. 7A-B. Correlation between receptor-binding properties of the erbB peptides and their biological activity against erbB2-overexpressing T6-17 cells. Plots show correlation between peptides' activities in MTT assays and (A) their receptor binding affinities, or (B) their inhibitory activity against erbB receptor oligomerization.

FIG. 8A-B. Inhibitory effect of the ErbB peptides on cell survival of the 32D cell transfectants. 32D cell transfectants were grown in either the ErbB ligand medium (A) or the Il-3 supplement (WEHI) medium (B), and cell viability was determined as described in the Experimental Procedures. In each experiment, the standard error did not exceed 10%.

FIG. 9A-B. Molecular modeling of erbB 1 homo-dimerization. Possible arrangement of the erbB1-EGF (2:2) complex according to model 1 (EGF cross-links two erbB1 monomers, A) and model 2 (EGF binds to one erbB1 monomer, B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, of the present invention compositions comprising peptides and mimetics of and antibodies to regions of receptors which facilitate oligomerization are provided, preferably directed to regions of receptors comprising one or more cystine knots. The present invention further provides methods for treatment, diagnosis, and imaging of mammalian tumors using such peptides and antibodies.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “erbB” refers to receptors in the erbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases which assemble into hetero- or homodimers, including, but not limited to, erbB1 (EGFr—epidermal growth factor receptor, HER1), erbB2 (neu, p185, HER2), erbB3 (HER3), and erbB4 (HER4).

As used herein, the term “TNF” refers to receptors that bind tumor necrosis factor-like ligomers which assemble into oligomers. TNF receptors include, but are not limited to, TNF, FAS, RANK, TRAIL, and CD40.

As used herein, the terms “p185/EGFr cancer”, “p185/EGFr tumors”, “erbB2/EGFr cancer” and “erbB2/EGFr tumors” are meant to refer to tumor cells and neoplasms which express erbB2 and EGFr. erbB2/EGFr tumors have p185 and EGF receptors on their cell surfaces.

As used herein, the terms “erbB tumor”, and “erbB cancer” are meant to refer to tumor cells and neoplasms which express one or more erbB receptors. Some erbB tumor cells or neoplasms may express p185 receptors on their cell surfaces. As used herein, the terms “TNF”, and “TNF-related pathologies” are meant to refer to pathologies that involve one or more TNF family receptors.

As used herein, the term “oligomerization” refers to the process by which assemblies of monomers are formed into multimers. Examples of assemblies formed through this process include but are not limited to dimers, trimers and tetramers, etc. Such assemblies may comprise two or more identical monomers yielding a homodimer, homotrimer, homotetramer, etc., or two or more different monomers yielding a heterodimer, heterodimer, heterotrimer, etc.

As used herein, the term “antibody” is meant to refer to antibodies, as well as antibody fragments such as FAb and F(Ab)₂ fragments, recombinant antibodies or recombinant antibody fragments. Antibodies may, in some preferred embodiments, be monoclonal, humanized, primatized, or chimeric antibodies.

As used herein, the term “cystine knot” refers to a polypeptide formed by at least two disulfide bonds and the protein chains linking them, penetrated by a third disulfide bond and is further described in Murzin et al., J. Mol. Biol. 247: 536-540, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, in the TNF receptor family a cystine knot consists of 42 amino acid residues with 6 cysteine residues forming 3 inter-chain disulfide bonds to create the structural motif.

As used herein, the phrase “cystine knot specific antibody” refers to an antibody which binds to a cysteine-rich domain, a cystine knot, or a portion of a cystine knot loop. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to cysteine bonded loops found within a cysteine rich domain.

As used herein, the phrase “cystine knot comprising region” refers to a portion of a receptor that comprises one or more cystine knots. In some embodiments, the cystine knot-comprising region is an extracellular portion of the receptor. In some preferred embodiments, the cystine knot comprising region is subdomain IV. In more preferred embodiments, the cystine knot comprising region is selected from the group consisting of the S22 loop and the S23 loop.

As used herein, the term “region” refers to a part of a receptor comprising at least one portion. Representative receptor regions include, but are not limited to, extracellular regions, transmembrane regions, and intracellular regions.

As used herein, the term “portion” refers to at least 3-5 amino acids, more preferably at least 8-10 amino acids, more preferably at least 11-15 amino acids, more preferably at least 17-24 amino acids, and even more preferably at least 25-30 amino acids, and most preferably at least 30-45 amino acids.

As used herein, the term “conformation site” refers to a site on a receptor which affects the conformation of the receptor. In some embodiments, binding of an antibody, peptide or mimetic to the conformation site changes the conformation of the receptor such that oligomerization of the receptor is prevented and, preferably, reduces or eliminates receptor signaling. In some preferred embodiments, the conformation site is a receptor-receptor contact point.

As used herein, the term “mimetic” is used to refer to compounds which mimic the activity of peptide. Mimetics are non-peptides but may comprise amino acids linked by non-peptide bonds. U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,677 and its parent applications contain detailed guidance on the production of mimetics. Briefly, the three dimensional structure of the peptides which specifically interacts with the three dimensional structure of erbB receptors is duplicated by a molecule that is not a peptide.

As used herein, the terms “conformationally restricted peptides”, “constrained peptides” and “conformationally constrained peptides” are used interchangeably and are meant to refer to peptides which, for example through intramolecular bonds, are conformationally stable and remain in a sufficiently restricted conformation. The compounds have an affinity to erbB receptors and, when bound to erbB receptors on cells, have a biologically active effect on cells that have a erbB-mediated transformation phenotype.

As used herein, the terms “aromatic amino acids” and “aromatic amino acid residues” used interchangeably are meant to refer to phenylalanine and tyrosine.

As used herein, the term “exocyclic amino acid residue” is meant to refer to amino acid residues which are linked to cyclicized peptide but which are not within the portion of the peptide that makes up the circularized structure.

As used herein, the term “exocyclic portions” is meant to refer to an amino acid sequence having one or more amino acid residues which are linked to cyclicized peptide but which are not within the portion of the peptide that makes up the circularized structure.

As used herein, the term “linking moiety” is meant to refer to a molecular component or functional group which is capable of forming bonds with three amino acids.

As used herein, the term “linking amino acid residue” is meant to refer to an amino acid residue that is a linking moiety.

As used herein, the terms “active sequence” and “active region” are used interchangeably and are meant to refer to the amino acid sequence of the portion of a compound of the invention that is directly interacts with an erbB receptor, wherein the interaction is characterized by an affinity between the active portion and an erbB receptor.

In some embodiments, the peptides and mimetics are constrained mimics of the loops or repeats present in subdomain IV of erbB receptors. In some embodiments, the peptides and mimetics mimic a cystine knot comprising region, preferably a cystine knot or portion thereof. In some embodiments, binding of a peptide or mimetic to an erbB or TNF receptor prevents dimerization of the receptor, and, preferably, reduces or eliminates receptor signaling.

As used herein, the term “dimerization site” is used interchangeably with the terms “interaction site” and “interaction surface” and refers to a site on a receptor that forms a bond with another receptor when the two receptors dimerize. In some embodiments, the dimerization site is ligand-independent, i.e., the dimerization site is not dependent on the presence or absence of a particular bound ligand. In other embodiments, the dimerization site is ligand-dependent, i.e., the dimerization site is dependent on the presence or absence of a particular bound ligand. In some embodiments, binding of an antibody, peptide or mimetic to the dimerization site prevents dimerization of the receptors and, preferably, reduces or eliminates receptor signaling. In some preferred embodiments, the dimerization site is subdomain IV of the erbB receptor or a portion thereof.

As used herein, the term “assembly” is used interchangeably with “ensemble” or “dimer” and refers to homo- or heterooligomers of receptors. Such assemblies may comprise erbB 1, erbB2, erbB3, erbB4, or combinations thereof, or receptors in the TNF family of receptors, including but not limited to FAS, RANK, TRAIL, and CD40, or combinations thereof, or members of the IgSF superfamily, including but not limited to ICOS and CD28.

As used herein, the term “high risk individual” is meant to refer to an individual who has had an erbB or TNF related pathology or pathologies associated with IgSF members either removed or in remission, and who is therefore susceptible to a relapse or recurrence. In the case of erbB, as part of a treatment regimen for a high risk individual, the individual can be prophylactically treated against tumors that they have been diagnosed as having had in order to combat a recurrence. Thus, once it is known that an individual has had an erbB-cancer, the individual can be treated according to the present invention to prevent normal cells from transforming into tumor cells.

As used herein, the term “in combination with” is meant to refer to administration of the antibody, peptide or mimetic compositions of the invention with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Administration of the antibody, peptide or mimetic compositions may take place prior to, simultaneously with, or after radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

As used herein, the term “therapeutically effective amount” is meant to refer to an amount of an antibody, peptide or mimetic which produces a medicinal effect observed as reduction or reverse in tumorigenic phenotype of tumor cells in an individual when a therapeutically effective amount of a antibody is administered to the individual. Therapeutically effective amounts are typically determined by the effect they have compared to the effect observed when a composition which includes no active ingredient is administered to a similarly situated individual.

As used herein, the term “preventing the development of tumors” is meant to refer to preventing the transformation of normal cells into tumor cells including inhibiting the transformation of cells that have a normal or incomplete transformed phenotype into fully transformed phenotype. Thus, the development of tumors refers to the transformation event which results in the acquisition of a transformed phenotype. According to some aspects of the present invention, antibodies, peptides or mimetics may be administered to individuals who are at risk of developing tumors. The prophylactic administration of an antibody, peptide or mimetics to high-risk individuals results in the prevention of the transformation event occurring. Cells having the normal phenotype are not converted to the cells having transformed phenotype. The antibodies, peptides, or mimetics prevent tumors before they are formed by preventing a normal cell from becoming a cancer cell.

As used herein, the term “prophylactically effective amount” is meant to refer to an amount of an antibody, peptide, or mimetic which produces a medicinal effect observed as the prevention of non-transformed cells from becoming transformed in an individual when a prophylactically effective amount of an antibody, peptide or mimetic is administered to an individual. Prophylactically effective amounts are typically determined by the effect they have compared to the effect observed when a composition which includes no active ingredient is administered to a similarly situated individual.

As used herein, the phrase “injectable pharmaceutical composition”, or variants thereof, refers to pharmaceutical compositions which satisfy the USP requirements for “injectables”, i.e., sterile, pyrogen- and particulate free, and possessing specific pH and isotonicity values.

Antibodies

In addition to molecules designed from assembly epitopes of erbB1, erbB2, erbB3 erbB4, and assembly epitopes of TNF or IgSF receptors, the present invention comprises molecules, including but not limited to antibodies and peptide mimetics, based on interacting surfaces of receptors.

In some embodiments, antibodies are specific to dimerization sites of erbB, TNF, or IgSF receptors. In some embodiments, antibodies are specific to a dimerization site of erbB1 or erbB2. Binding of the antibody to the dimerization site may prevent the dimerization of the receptor, and, preferably, reduces or eliminates receptor signaling.

In some embodiments, antibodies are specific to conformation sites of erbB, TNF, or IgSF receptors. In a preferred embodiment, antibodies are specific to a conformation site of erbB 1 or erbB2. In some embodiments, antibodies are specific to a conformation site of erbB 1 or erbB2. Binding of the antibody to the conformation site changes the conformation of the receptor such that the receptor is not able to dimerize, and, preferably, reduces or eliminates receptor signaling.

In some embodiments, antibodies are provided which bind to cystine knot comprising regions or cystine knots or portions thereof of erbB, TNF, or IgSF receptors. In some embodiments, antibodies are specific for cystine knot in an extracellular domain of an erbB, TNF, or IgSF receptor.

Peptides, Mimetics and Antibodies

The present invention describes inter alia the biochemical consequences of peptides mimetics which are capable of disabling the assembly of erbB receptor polypeptides or TNF receptor polypeptides by different mechanisms.

The present invention relates, inter alia, to constrained peptides that contain exocyclic portions including exocyclic amino acids that are aromatic amino acids as well as an active region which specifically binds to erbB. Examples of constrained peptides are found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,377.

The present invention also relates to mimetics which specifically bind to erbB.

The present invention is useful to therapeutically treat an individual identified as suffering from erbB tumors in order to reverse the transformed phenotype of the tumor cells.

The present invention is useful to prophylactically treat an individual who is predisposed to develop an erbB tumors or who has had erbB-associated tumors and is therefore susceptible to a relapse or recurrence. The present invention is useful to detectably image tumors with respect to erbB receptors on their surfaces. The present invention is useful to detect and quantify erbB on all surfaces.

According to some embodiments, the present invention provides peptides having the formula:

R₁-R₂-R₃-R₄-R₅-R₆-R₇

wherein:

-   -   R₁ is 1-6 amino acid residues, at least one of which is tyrosine         or phenylalanine;     -   R₂ is a linking moiety which bonds with R₁, R₃ and R₆ such that         a portion of said peptide is cyclicized;     -   R₃ is 0-20 amino acids;     -   R₄ is 6-12 amino acids;     -   R₅ is 0-20 amino acids;     -   R₆ is a linking moiety which bonds with R₅, R₇ and R₂ such that         a portion of said peptide is cyclicized;     -   R₇ is 1-6 amino acid residues, at least one of which is tyrosine         or phenylalanine;     -   wherein: R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are 30         amino acids or less.

In some embodiments, R₄ comprises F-P-D-E-E-G-A (SEQ ID NO:1). In some embodiments, R₄ consists of F-P-D-E-E-G-A (SEQ ID NO:1). In some embodiments, R₄ comprises F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A (SEQ ID NO:2). In some embodiments, R₄ consists of F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A (SEQ ID NO:2).

The primary function of R₁ in compounds of the present invention arises from the presence of at least one amino acid that contains an aromatic group: i.e. the presence of tyrosine or phenylalanine. The presence of the aromatic amino acid at position R₁ results in an increase affinity of the peptide to erbB and an attendant increase in activity of the compound. In embodiments where additional amino acid residues are present, they can present the aromatic amino acid in a more effective position to further increase the affinity and activity of the compound. Additional amino acids that may be present must not eliminate the effect that the aromatic amino acid has on affinity or activity. Examples of amino acid sequences which may be used as R₁ are disclosed in co-pending U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,377. In some embodiments, the additional amino acids are present as a site for linkage to detectable labels or moieties. In some embodiments, the additional amino acids are present as a site for dimerization with other peptides; either for formation of homodimers with each other or heterodimers with other peptides.

In some preferred embodiments, R₁ is 1-5 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ is 4 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ is 3 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ is 2 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ is 1 amino acid. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ comprises S-Y. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ consists of S-Y. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ comprises G-S-Y. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ consists of G-S-Y. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ consists of Y. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ consists of K. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ comprises K. Other examples of R₁ include G-G-S-Y (SEQ ID NO:21) and G-G-G-S-Y (SEQ ID NO:22). Contemplated equivalents include aromatic functional groups at R₁ which are not part of tyrosine or phenylalanine.

The function of R₂ is to form bonds with R₁ as well as to form bonds with R₆ which cyclicize or otherwise conformationally restrict the molecule. Bonds between R₂ and R₆ cyclicize the molecule and thereby maintain R₃-R₄-R₅, and, specifically R₄, in a constrained conformation that produces the specific biologically active surface that has an affinity for and interacts with erbB. Further, in such an arrangement R₁ becomes an exocyclic portion of the peptide. Accordingly, R₂ may be any moiety capable of forming bonds with R₆ as well as R₁ and R₃.

R₂ is preferably an amino acid residue, preferably cysteine. When both R₂ and R₆ are cysteine, the disulfide bonds form between the two cysteines cyclicize the molecule. It is contemplated that R₂ may any moiety that, together with R₆, will allow for the cyclization of the portion of the molecule that includes R₁-R₂-R₃-R₄-R₅-R₆ while rendering R₁ and R₇ exocyclic portions of the peptide. Those having ordinary skill in the art can readily prepare peptides according to the present invention in which R₂ and R₆ are moieties capable of forming bonds to each other. The cyclization of linear peptides using disulfide bonds between non-adjacent cysteines is well known. Similarly, other non-adjacent amino acid residues may be linked to cyclicize a peptide sequence and the means to do so are similarly well known. Other methods of cyclization include those described by Di Blasio, et al., (1993) Biopolymers, 33:1037-1049; Wood, et al., (1992) J. Pep. Prot. Res., 39:533-539; Saragovi, et al., (1992) Immunomethods, 1:5-9; Saragovi, et al., (1991) Science, 253:792-795; Manning, et al., (1993) Reg. Peptides, 45:279-283; Hruby, (1993) Biopolymers, 33:1073-1082; Bach, et al., (1994) New Adv. Peptidomimetics Small Mol. Design, 1:1-26; and Matsuyama, et al., (1992) J. Bacteriol., 174:1769-1776, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The function of R₃ is to serve as a spacer and provide structure to present the active region in proper conformation. In some embodiments, the cyclization of the active region by particular linking moieties results in the proper folding of the active region to place it in active conformation and no R₃ is required. In some embodiments, the cyclization of the active region by particular linking moieties requires additional spacing and turns to facilitate that proper folding of the active region in order to place it in active conformation. In such embodiments, amino acid residues or sequences may be provided at R₃. In some preferred embodiments, R₃ is 0-10 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₃ is 0-5 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₃ is 0 amino acids.

R₄ is the active region of the compounds according to this aspect of the invention. In compounds of the invention, the functional groups of the active region are in a conformation which places them in a particular three dimensional arrangement that allows them to interact with the amino acids and functional groups thereon of an erbB receptor and to bind to an erbB receptor through such interactions. In peptide mimetics, the functional groups are provided in the active three-dimensional arrangement but are connected to modified or different backbones. It is possible to vary each residue with one that contributes equivalent bulk and hydrophobic moment and that still permits hydrogen bonding to surrounding water molecules or to residues to which the compound attaches.

The function of R₅ is to present the active region in proper conformation. In some embodiments, the cyclization of the active region by particular linking moieties results in the proper folding of the active region to place it in active conformation and no R₅ is required. In some embodiments, the cyclization of the active region by particular linking moieties requires additional spacing and turns to facilitate that proper folding of the active region in order to place it in active conformation. In such embodiments, amino acid residues or sequences may be provided at R₅. In some preferred embodiments, R₅ is 0-10 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₅ is 0-5 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₅ is 0 amino acids.

The function of R₆ is to form bonds with R₂ which cyclicize or otherwise conformationally restrict the molecule. Bonds between R₆ and R₂ cyclicize the molecule and thereby maintain R₃-R₄-R₅, and, specifically R₄, in a constrained conformation that produces the specific biologically active surface that has an affinity for and interacts with erbB. Accordingly, R₆ may be any moiety capable of forming bonds with R₂ as well as R₅ and R₇. R₆ is preferably an amino acid residue, preferably cysteine. When both R₆ and R₂ are cysteine, disulfide bonds formed between the two cysteines cyclicize the molecule. It is contemplated that R₆ may any moiety that, together with R₂, will allow for the cyclization of the molecule. Those having ordinary skill in the art can readily prepare peptides according to the present invention in which R₂ and R₆ are moieties capable of forming bonds to each other. The cyclization of linear peptides using disulfide bonds between non-adjacent cysteines is well known. Similarly, other non-adjacent amino acid residues may be linked to cyclicize a peptide sequence and the means to do so are similarly well known. Other methods of cyclization include those described by Di Blasio, et al., (1993) Biopolymers, 33:1037-1049; Wood, et al., (1992) J. Pep. Prot. Res., 39:533-539; Saragovi, et al., (1992) Immunomethods, 1:5-9; Saragovi, et al., (1991) Science, 253:792-795; Manning, et al., (1993) Reg. Peptides, 45:279-283; Hruby, (1993) Biopolymers, 33:1073-1082; Bach, et al., (1994) New Adv. Peptidomimetics Small Mol. Design, 1:1-26; and Matsuyama, et al., (1992) J. Bacteriol., 174:1769-1776, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The primary function of R₇ in compounds of the present invention arises from the presence of at least one amino acid that contains an aromatic group: i.e. the presence of tyrosine or phenylalanine. The presence of the aromatic amino acid at position R₇ results in an increase in the affinity of the peptide to erbB and an attendant increase in activity of the compound. In embodiments where additional amino acid residues are present, they can present the aromatic amino acid in a more effective position to further increase the affinity and activity of the compound. Additional amino acids that may be present must not eliminate the effect that the aromatic amino acid has on affinity or activity. Examples of amino acid sequences which may be used as R₇ are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,377.

In some embodiments, the additional amino acids are present as a site for linkage to detectable labels or moieties. In some embodiments, the additional amino acids are present as a site for dimerization with other peptides; either for formation of homodimers with each other or heterodimers with other peptides.

In some preferred embodiments, R₇ is 1-5 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₇ is 4 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₇ is 3 amino acids. In; some preferred embodiments, R₇ is 2 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₇ is 1 amino acid. In some preferred embodiments, R₇ comprises Y-G-G-S (SEQ ID NO:27). In some preferred embodiments, R₇ consists of Y-G-G-S (SEQ ID NO:27). In some preferred embodiments, R₇ comprises Y-G-G-G (SEQ ID NO:23). In some preferred embodiments, R₇ consists of Y-G-G-G (SEQ ID NO:23). In some preferred embodiments, R₇ comprises Y-G-G-G-S (SEQ ID NO:24). In some preferred embodiments, R₇ consists of Y-G-G-G-S (SEQ ID NO:24). In some preferred embodiments, R₇ comprises Y. In some preferred embodiments, R₇ consists of Y. In some preferred embodiments, R₇ comprises Y-G-G. In some preferred embodiments, R₇ consists of Y-G-G. Another example of R₇ is Y-G. Contemplated equivalents include aromatic functional groups at R₇ which are not part of tyrosine or phenylalanine.

In some preferred embodiments, R₁ and R₇ collectively contain both tyrosine and phenylalanine. That is, if R₁ comprises tyrosine then R₇ comprises phenylalanine and if R₁ comprises phenylalanine then R₇ comprises tyrosine. In some preferred embodiments, R₁ and R₇ do not both contain tyrosine or phenylalanine. That is, if R₁ comprises tyrosine and not phenylalanine then R₇ comprises phenylalanine and not tyrosine and if R₁ comprises phenylalanine and not tyrosine then R₇ comprises tyrosine and not phenylalanine.

In some preferred embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are less than 30 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, k₆ and R₇, taken together, are 20 amino acids or less. In some preferred embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are less than 20 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are 15 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are less than 15 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are 14 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are 13 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are 12 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, and R₇, taken together, are 11 amino acids. In some preferred embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are 10 amino acids.

In certain embodiments, the peptide is selected from the group consisting of: Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:3); S-Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:4); G-S-Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:5); G-G-S-Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:6); G-G-G-S-Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:7); Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y-G (SEQ ID NO:8); Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y-G-G (SEQ ID NO:9); Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y-G-G-G (SEQ ID NO:10); Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y-G-G-G-S (SEQ ID NO:11); Y-C-F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:12); S-Y-C-F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:13); G-S-Y-C-F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:14); G-G-S-Y-C-F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:15); G-G-G-S-Y-C-F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:16); Y-C-F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y-G (SEQ ID NO:17); Y-C-F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y-G-G (SEQ ID NO:18); Y-C-F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y-G-G-G (SEQ ID NO:19); and Y-C-F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y-G-G-G-S (SEQ ID NO:20); YCFPDEEGACYK (SEQ ID NO: 25); and YCFPDEEGACYGGS (SEQ ID NO: 26). Other peptides are included within the scope of the present invention comprising different combinations of R₁, R₂, R₃, R₅, R₆ and R₇.

In some embodiments, terminal residues of the peptides are modified. In some embodiments, the terminal residue of R₁ is modified with —OH. In some embodiments, the terminal residue of R₁ is modified with —NH₂. In some embodiments, the terminal residue of R₇ is modified with —OH. In some embodiments, the terminal residue of R₇ is modified with —NH₂.

According to some embodiments,

R₁-R₂-R₃-R₄-R₅-R₆-R₇

together form a peptide wherein:

-   -   R₁ is 1-3 amino acid residues, at least one of which is tyrosine         or phenylalanine;     -   R₂ is cysteine or pencillamine;     -   R₃ is 0 amino acids;     -   R₄ is 7-8 amino acids;     -   R₅ is 0 amino acids;     -   R₆ is cysteine or pencillamine;     -   R₇ is 1-5 amino acid residues, at least one of which is tyrosine         or phenylalanine;         wherein:     -   R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are 30 amino         acids or less, and wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇ are         otherwise as set forth above.

In certain embodiments the peptide is B2-S23-BPT: P-C-P-I-N-C-T-H-S-C-V-D-L-D-D-K-G-C-P-A-E-Q-R-A-S-P-L-T-S-I (SEQ ID NO: 38).

In some preferred embodiments of generating antibodies against IgSF members, the peptide is: C-K-V-E-L-M-Y-P-P-P-Y-F-V-G-M-G-N-G-T-Q-I-Y-V-I-D-P-E-P-C (SEQ ID NO: 36).

In some preferred embodiments of generating antibodies against IgSF members, the peptide is: C-K-I-E-F-M-Y-P-P-P-Y-L-D-N-E-R-S-N-G-T-I-I-H-I-K-E-K-H-L-C (SEQ ID NO: 29).

In some preferred embodiments the peptide is: C-S-L-S-I-F-D-P-P-P-F-Q-E-R-N-L-S-G-G-Y-L-H-I-Y-E-S-Q-L-C (SEQ ID NO: 30).

In some preferred embodiments the peptide is B2-S22-APE: Y-C-P-I-W-K-F-P-D-E-E-C-Y(SEQ ID NO: 31).

In some preferred embodiments the peptide is B1-S22-ALG: Y-C-L-V-W-K-Y-A-D-A-G-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 32).

In some preferred embodiments the peptide is B3-S22-APQ: Y-C-P-I-Y-K-Y-P-D-V-Q-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 33).

In some preferred embodiments the peptide is B4-S22-AFD: Y-C-F-I-F-K-Y-A-D-P-D-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 34).

In some preferred embodiments the peptide is B2-S22-AFA: Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 35).

Those having ordinary skill in the art can readily construct molecules according to the above formulae and determine whether or not the compounds are active as erbB binding compounds which prevent and eliminate the erbB-mediated transformation phenotype.

The peptides of the invention may be dimerized with each other to form homodimers or with other compounds including compounds of the invention to form heterodimers. In preferred dimers, the residues involved in the chemical bound which links the monomers is in the R₁ position of the compounds of the invention.

Mimetics of the peptides which mimic erbB, TNF, or IgSF receptors may be produced. Such mimetics may be tested in the assays set forth in the Examples.

According to the present invention, peptides and mimetics that mimic sites on erbB, TNF, or IgSF receptors are useful to prevent dimerization of receptors and thereby down modulate the kinase activity of the receptors. When bound, the peptides and mimetics eliminate or reduce tyrosine kinase activity and/or receptor signaling that results in an elimination or reduction in cell proliferation levels and a non-transformed, quiescent phenotype. The peptides and mimetics are therefore useful in the treatment of individuals suspected of having erbB tumors or TNF and IgSF-mediated pathologies, and in the prevention of such erbB tumor formation. The cells in the individuals that would turn into tumors in an untreated individual do not become fully transformed and do not become tumors in individuals treated by the methods. When administered to individuals who have been identified as being susceptible to or otherwise at risk of developing tumors, the peptides and mimetics may induce antibodies that bind to erbB or TNF monomers, thereby preventing the elevation in tyrosine kinase activity or signaling associated with oligomerization of the receptors. The tyrosine kinase activity in the cell may never become sufficiently elevated and the cell remains non-transformed.

Peptides and mimetics of erbB receptors, TNF or IgSF family receptors are useful in anti-tumor compositions and can be produced by those skilled in the art using readily available starting materials. U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,677 and its parent applications thereof disclose detailed guidance on the production of mimetics.

According to preferred embodiments, a peptide or mimetic is designed based on a known region of an erbB, TNF, or IgSF receptor. In some preferred embodiments, the peptide or mimetic mimics an extracellular domain of an erbB, TNF, or IgSF receptor. In some more preferred embodiments, the peptide or mimetic mimics the second cysteine rich domain proximal to the transmembrane domain (S22 loop). In some preferred embodiments, the peptide mimetic mimics of the S23 loop. According to some embodiments, the peptide mimetics of the present invention mimic cystine knots comprising regions.

In some preferred embodiments, the peptides and/or mimetics are exocyclic. In some preferred embodiments, the peptides and/or mimetics mimic full cystine knots. In some embodiments, the peptides and/or mimetics mimic a portion of a cystine knot.

In addition, peptides and/or mimetics may mimic assembly or functional epitopes of erbB2 and erbB1, erbB1 and erbB3, erbB1 and erbB4, erbB2 and erbB3, erbB2 and erbB4, erbB3 and erbB4, assembly or functional epitopes of TNF receptors, or assembly and functional epitopes of IgSF members.

In some embodiments, peptides and/or mimetics are provided which mimic dimerization sites of erbB, TNF, or IgSF receptors, and may induce antibodies. In a preferred embodiment, the peptides and/or mimetics mimic a dimerization site of erbB 1 or erbB2. Binding of the peptides and/or mimetics or induced antibodies to the dimerization site prevents the dimerization of the receptor, and, preferably, reduces or eliminates receptor signaling.

In some embodiments, peptides and/or mimetics are provided which mimic conformation sites of erbB, TNF, or IgSF receptors, and may induce antibodies. In a preferred embodiment, the peptides and/or mimetics mimic a conformation site of erbB1 or erbB2. Binding of the peptides and/or mimetics or induced antibodies to the conformation site changes the conformation of the receptor and prevents the dimerization of the receptor, and, preferably, reduces or eliminates receptor signaling.

The peptides and/or mimetics of the invention are useful in the treatment of erbB tumors either as a component of a composition administered to a patient, as a component of a composition administered to a patient in combination with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, or as a component of a composition administered to a patient that comprises the peptides and/or mimetics conjugated to a radioactive or chemotherapeutic agent.

The peptides and/or mimetics of the invention are useful in the prevention of erbB tumors or TNF- or IgSF-mediated pathologies either as a component of a composition administered to a patient, as a component of a composition administered to a patient in combination with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, or as a component of a composition administered to a patient that comprises the peptides and/or mimetics conjugated to a radioactive or chemotherapeutic agent.

The peptides and/or mimetics of the invention are useful for raising antibodies. In some embodiments, an antibody is produced by immunizing a suitable host with a peptide selected from the group consisting of: Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:3); C-K-V-E-L-M-Y-P-P-P-Y-F-V-G-M-G-N-G-T-Q-I-Y-V-I-D-P-E-P-C (SEQ ID NO: 28); C-K-I-E-F-M-Y-P-P-P-Y-L-D-N-E-R-S-N-G-T-I-I-H-I-K-E-K-H-L-C (SEQ ID NO: 29); C-S-L-S-I-F-D-P-P-P-F-Q-E-R-N-L-S-G-G-Y-L-H-I-Y-E-S-Q-L-C (SEQ ID NO: 30); B2-S22-APE: Y-C-P-I-W-K-F-P-D-E-E-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 31); B1-S22-ALG: Y-C-L-V-W-K-Y-A-D-A-G-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 32); B3-S22-APQ: Y-C-P-I-Y-K-Y-P-D-V-Q-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 33); B4-S22-AFD: Y-C-F-I-F-K-Y-A-D-P-D-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 34); B2-S22-AFA: Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 35). In some embodiments the antibody binds to a cysteine rich domain of an erbB receptor. In some embodiments, the peptides or mimetics induce antibodies that bind to functional sites of erbB, TNF, or IgSF family receptors.

The present invention also contemplates antibodies produced by immunizing a suitable host with a peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1-37 as well as antibodies produced by immunizing a suitable host with a peptide having the sequence in reverse order selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1-37.

Antibodies

The present invention describes antibodies against receptor assembly domains.

According to certain embodiments, antibodies that bind to, for example, either erbB 1, erbB2, erbB3 or erbB4 and are useful to prevent oligomerization-mediated signaling of receptors and thereby down modulate kinase activity of the receptors. When bound, the antibodies eliminate or reduce tyrosine kinase activity that results in an elimination or reduction in cell proliferation levels and a non-transformed, quiescent phenotype. The antibodies are therefore useful in the treatment of individuals suspected of having erbB tumors and in the prevention of such tumor formation. The cells in the individuals under treatment (that would otherwise turn into tumors in an untreated individual) do not become transformed and do not become tumors. When administered to individuals who have been identified as being susceptible to or otherwise at risk of developing tumors, the antibodies bind to, for example, erbB 1, erbB2, erbB3 or erbB4, thereby preventing the elevation in tyrosine kinase activity associated with dimerization of the receptors. The tyrosine kinase activity in the cell never becomes sufficiently elevated and the cell remains non-transformed.

Antibodies useful in anti-tumor compositions can be produced by those skilled in the art using readily available starting materials. The techniques for producing monoclonal antibodies are outlined in Harlow, E. and D. Lane, (1988) ANTIBODIES: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor N.Y., which provides detailed guidance for the production of hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to target proteins. Briefly, the protein of interest, rodent or human erbB2, for example, or cells which express this protein, are injected into mice. The mouse is then boosted with the protein. The spleen of the mouse is removed and the spleen cells are isolated and fused with immortalized mouse cells. The hybrid cells, or hybridomas, are cultured and those cells which secrete antibodies are selected. The antibodies are analyzed and, if found to specifically bind to the protein of interest, the hybridoma which produces them is cultured to produce a continuous supply of antigen specific antibodies. Humanized or camelized antibodies may be generated using techniques well-known to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, antibodies are induced by immunizing an erbB or TNF receptor, or portion thereof. In more preferred embodiments, antibodies are induced by immunizing with a cystine knot peptide mimetic or peptide mimetic from cysteine rich domains with or without constraints.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the complementarity determining region of antibodies is formed from immunoglobulin heavy chains only, i.e., without immunoglobulin light chains. Such antibodies may be derived, for example, using antibody heavy chains from camelids, camels or llamas. (Davies et al., (1996) Protein Engineering, 9, 531-537; Reichmann, L., (1996) J. Mol. Biol., 259, 957-969; Davies et al., (1995) Biotechnology, 13, 475-479; Decanniere et al., (1999) Structure Fold Des., 7, 361-370). The structure of, e.g., the camelid single domain antibody is useful as a scaffold for anti-idiotypic vaccinations and expression of peptidomimetics (Muyldermans et al., (1999) J. Mol. Recognit., 12, 131-140; Dumoulin, et al., (2002), Prot. Sci., 11, 500-515; Tanha et al., (2001), J. Biol. Chem., 276, 24774-24780.)

In some embodiments, an antibody is produced by immunizing a suitable host with a peptide selected from the group consisting of: Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO:3); C-K-V-E-L-M-Y-P-P-P-Y-F-V-G-M-G-N-G-T-Q-I-Y-V-I-D-P-E-P-C (SEQ ID NO:28); C-K-I-E-F-M-Y-P-P-P-Y-L-D-N-E-R-S-N-G-T-I-I-H-I-K-E-K-H-L-C (SEQ ID NO:29); C-S-L-S-I-F-D-P-P-P-F-Q-E-R-N-L-S-G-G-Y-L-H-I-Y-E-S-Q-L-C (SEQ ID NO: 30); B2-S22-APE: Y-C-P-I-W-K-F-P-D-E-E-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 31); B1-S22-ALG: Y-C-L-V-W-K-Y-A-D-A-G-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 32); B3-S22-APQ: Y-C-P-I-Y-K-Y-P-D-V-Q-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 33); B4-S22-AFD: Y-C-F-I-F-K-Y-A-D-P-D-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 34); B2-S22-AFA: Y-C-F-P-D-E-E-G-A-C-Y (SEQ ID NO: 35). In some embodiments the antibody binds to a cystine knot of an erbB receptor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a monoclonal antibody is provided that binds to human/rat erbB 1, erbB2, erbB3, or erbB4-receptors.

Preferably, the binding affinity for antigens is at least 1×10⁶ Ka. more preferably 1×10⁷ Ka, more preferably 2×10⁷ Ka, more preferably 1×10⁸ Ka.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, a monoclonal antibody is provided that binds to a human/rat TNF-receptor.

Preferably, the binding affinity for TNF antigens is at least 1×10⁶ Ka. Preferably, the binding affinity for TNF receptors is at least 5×10⁶ Ka, more preferably 1×10⁷ Ka, more preferably 2×10⁷ Ka, more preferably 1×10⁸ Ka.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, a monoclonal antibody is provided that binds to a human/rat IgSF family-receptor.

Preferably, the binding affinity for IgSF family-antigens is at least 1×10⁶ Ka. Preferably, the binding affinity for IgSF family-receptors is at least 5×10⁶ Ka, more preferably 10⁷ Ka, more preferably 2×10⁻⁷ Ka, more preferably 1×10⁸ Ka.

The present invention is useful to therapeutically treat an individual identified as suffering from erbB tumors and/or TNF of IgSF pathologies. The present invention is also useful to prophylactically treat an individual who is predisposed to develop erbB tumors or TNF/IgSF-related pathologies or who has had erbB tumors or TNF/IgSF-related pathologies and is therefore susceptible to a relapse or recurrence. The present invention is also useful, inter alia, to image erbB tumors or TNF/IgSF-related pathologies and otherwise detect them.

The antibodies of the invention are useful in the treatment of erbB tumors or TNF/IgSF-related pathologies either as a component of a composition administered to a patient, as a component of a composition administered to a patient in combination with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, or as a component of a composition administered to a patient that comprises the antibody conjugated to a radioactive or chemotherapeutic agent.

The antibodies of the invention are useful in the prevention of erbB tumors or TNF/IgSF-related pathologies either as a component of a composition administered to a patient, as a component of a composition administered to a patient in combination with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, or as a component of a composition administered to a patient that comprises the antibody conjugated to a radioactive or chemotherapeutic agent.

The antibodies of the invention are useful in the imaging of erbB tumors or TNF/IgSF-related pathologies as, for example, a detectable component of a composition administered to a patient.

General Features of Receptors with a Cysteine Rich Domain (CRD)

The crystal structure of the TNF receptor, both in complexed and uncomplexed forms, provides a general picture of how this receptor family binds to their ligands (Banner, et al. 1993; Eck and Sprang 1989; Eck, et al. 1992) and of associated ligand induced conformational changes. The receptors associate by structural elements known as cysteine-knots. The cystine knot in the TNF receptor family consists of 42 amino acid residues with 6 cysteine residues forming 3 inter-chain disulfide bonds to create the structural motif. The three-dimensional structure reveals the cysteine-knot repeats of about 30 Å in length are arranged in a head-to-tail fashion exposing the loops on one side of the receptor. These cysteine-knots are involved in both oligomerization and ligand binding (Eck and Sprang 1989; Eck, et al. 1992). Uncomplexed TNF receptors are observed as dimers. In the dimeric form, the first and last cysteine domains involve dimeric contacts (Naismith, et al. 1995). It has been argued that the TNF dimeric receptor forms regulate the function of the trimeric forms (Naismith, et al. 1995).

ErbB receptors share significant homology with TNF receptor (Ward, et al. 1995) in the cysteine rich domains. The recently determined crystal structure of insulin receptor (Garrett, et al. 1998b) confirmed that receptors with cysteine rich domains (CRD) adopt a similar conformation, namely the “cystine knot” observed in TNF receptors.

Anti-HER2/p185^(c-neu) Antibody Binds to the Ectodomain and Leads to p185 Internalization

Disabling a protein responsible for maintenance of the malignant phenotype reverses transformation. This body of work (Drebin, et al. 1986, Symp Fundam Cancer Res 38:277-289; Drebin, et al. 1986, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83:9129-9133) was subsequently substantiated (Carter, et al. 1992) and has now has been approved for clinical use as “HERCEPTIN” (Baselga, et al. 1998; Pegram, et al. 1998).

Antibodies to the ectodomain of p185 can reverse the phenotype of transformed cells by leading to the rapid downmodulation of the receptor from the cell surface (Drebin, et al. 1986, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83:9129-9133). The removal of the transforming receptor from the cell surface in vitro was associated with a reduction in the malignant phenotype and a conversion of the cell phenotype into a more normal one as judged by cell growth, phenotype, and growth in soft agar. The anti-receptor antibody p185 complex was visualized and shown to enter the cell and lead to p185 degradation (Brown, et al. 1994). Subsequent in vivo studies showed that the administration of anti-receptor antibodies alone could cause retardation of tumor growth.

Studies in small animals which had been treated to eliminate complement or macrophages clearly indicated that the effect of the antibodies was predominantly but not entirely direct and was related to receptor downmodulation (Drebin, et al. 1988).

Biochemical Aspects of Creating Mimetics that are Used In Vitro as Inhibitors

Reducing a macromolecule to a small molecule with similar function is a general chemical problem. There have been some attempts to design mini-proteins by transplanting functional units onto suitable scaffolds (Vita, et al. 1998) and minimizing antibodies to single chain antibodies (Magliani, et al. 1997).

It is now established that conformation constrained peptides are more bioactive than unconstrained ones. In recent years, the chemistry of peptide cyclization by solid phase synthesis and other methods has improved dramatically (Burgess, et al. 1996; Goodman and Shao 1996; Hanessian, et al. 1997; Koskinen and Hassila 1996; Kuhn, et al. 1997; Waid, et al. 1996; Zuckermann 1993) providing more opportunity to develop peptides into peptidomimetics.

General principles to create cyclic peptide mimetics that have been adopted and in some cases (such as eptifitimide (Integrilin) a glycoprotein llb llla inhibitor (COR Therapeutics)) have become clinically available. Aromatic residues placed at the termini of cyclically constrained small peptides increases the activity of mimetics (Takasaki, et al. 1997; Zhang, et al. 1996). Employing such modifications has allowed creation of high affinity mimetics of antibody mimics based on CDRs (Park, et al. 2000), CD4 (Zhang, et al. 1997), IL4 receptor loop mimetics, anti-CD3 antibody mimics, and TNF cystine knot mimetic that affect TNFα binding to its receptor (Takasaki, et al. 1997).

Cyclic Peptidomimetics are Superior Immunogens

Antigenic sites recognized by antibody consist of discrete three-dimensional surfaces (Van Regenmortel 1989; Van Regenmortel 1996). Spatial distribution of antigenic residues on the surface of proteins are often reproduced by constrained peptides (Nayak, et al. 1998; Posthumus, et al. 1991; Valero, et al. 1995; van der Werf, et al. 1994). An example involves the foot-mouth-and disease virus. A dominant antigenic site consists of flexible loop and immunization with a constrained peptide of this loop elicits higher affinity and neutralizing antibodies than the MAb elicited by linear peptides (Patel, et al. 1999; Valero, et al. 1995). These studies suggest that rigid, but spatial mimics of antigenic regions can be useful as immunogens and may be used to induce MAb to erb receptor interaction surfaces. These MAb are useful as in treatment of erbB pathologies.

Therapeutic Methods

The present invention is useful to therapeutically treat an individual identified as suffering from erbB tumors and/or TNF or IgSF-related pathologies in order to reverse the transformed phenotype of the tumor cells and/or induce tumor cell death. The present invention is useful to prophylactically treat an individual who is predisposed to develop erbB tumors and/or TNF or IgSF-related pathologies or who has had erbB tumors and/or TNF or IgSF-related pathologies and is therefore susceptible to a relapse or recurrence.

When a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody, peptide or mimetic of the present invention is administered to an individual who has erbB cancer, the proliferation rate of tumor cells is slowed down or eliminated.

Prophylactic methods are useful to treat an individual who is predisposed to develop erbB tumors and/or TNF or IgSF-related pathologies or who has had erbB tumors and/or TNF or IgSF-related pathologies and is therefore susceptible to a relapse or recurrence.

In some embodiments, the methods relate to treating patients suffering from human adenocarcinomas such as gastric, lung and pancreatic adenocarcinomas and human breast and ovarian carcinomas as well as human prostate cancer. In some embodiments, the methods relate to treating patients suffering from glial tumor progression, particularly in glioblastoma, the most malignant glial tumor. In some embodiments, the methods relate to treating patients suffering from human epithelial malignancies erythroid leukemia, fibrosarcoma, angiosarcoma and melanoma. In some embodiments the present invention provides methods of treating such diseases/disorders comprising the step of diagnosing a patient a suffering from a multimer-associated disease/disorder and then treating the disease/disorder in accordance with other methods of the invention.

Radiation therapy may commence anytime after a sufficient amount of time has elapsed for the antibodies or peptide mimetics to bind to the receptors. Generally, the individual is exposed to radiation in some cases 1-10 minutes after, in some cases 1-10 hours after, and in some cases up to 24-72 hours after administration of the antibodies, peptides or mimetics. In some cases, the radiation is provided in a single dose while in some embodiments, multiple doses are administered over several hours, days and/or weeks. The antibodies render the radiation resistant tumor cells radiation sensitive. Gamma radiation is delivered according to standard radiotherapeutic protocols using standard dosages and regimens. The administration of the antibodies, peptides or mimetics renders the radiation more effective in eradicating tumor cells.

The individual may be treated with antibodies, peptides or mimetics in combination with a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent in addition to or in lieu of exposure to a therapeutic amount of gamma radiation. Chemotherapy may commence anytime before or after the antibodies or peptide mimetics are administered, or with the antibodies, peptides or mimetics themselves. Generally, the individual is administered the chemotherapeutic in some cases 1-10 minutes after, in some cases 1-10 hours after, and in some cases up to 24-72 hours after administration of the antibodies, peptides or mimetics. In some cases, the chemotherapeutic is provided in a single dose while in some embodiments, multiple doses are administered over several hours, days and/or weeks. The antibodies render the tumor cells more sensitive to cytotoxic agents. Chemotherapeutics are delivered according to standard radiotherapeutic protocols using standard agents, dosages and regimens. In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic is selected from the group consisting of: cisplatin, doxirubicin, danurubicin, tamoxiphen, taxol, and methotrexate. In some embodiments, the individual is treated with antibodies and/or peptides and/or mimetics of the present invention in combination with two or more chemotherapeutics, each administered prior to, simultaneous with, or after the other chemotherapeutics. In some embodiments, chemotherapy and radiation treatments are both employed following the administration of the active agent. In such embodiments, standard combinations of two or more therapeutic modalities are used in conjunction with administration of the antibodies and/or peptides and/or mimetics.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the patient is treated with radiation and/or other chemotherapy in conjunction with the administration of pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention. Chemotherapy approaches include administration of cytotoxic and or cytostatic agents. It has been observed that expression of nucleotide molecules according to the invention in erbB-associated tumors renders the tumors radiosensitized. That is, the tumors are more vulnerable to destruction by radiation during radiotherapy when the patient is treated with pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention. The use of multiple therapeutic approaches provides the patient with a broader based intervention. In some preferred embodiments, treatment with pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention is preceded by surgical intervention. In preferred embodiments, radiotherapy follows administration of pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention. In preferred embodiments, the radiation therapy using gamma radiation is provided following administration of compositions which convert radiation resistant tumors into radiation sensitive tumors. Those skilled in the art can readily formulate an appropriate radiotherapeutic regimen. Carlos A Perez & Luther W Brady: Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, 2nd Ed. JB Lippincott Co, Phila., 1992, which is incorporated herein by reference describes radiation therapy protocols and parameters which can be used in the present invention. For GBMs (glioblastoma, the most malignant glial brain tumor), Simpson W. J. et al.: Influence of location and extent of surgical resection on survival ofpatients with glioblastoma multiforms: Results of three consecutive Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) clinical trials. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 26:239-244, 1993, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes clinical protocols useful in the methods of the present invention. Similarly, for brain tumors, see Borgelt et al., The palliation of brain metastases: Final results of the first two studies of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 6:1-9, 1980, which is incorporated herein by reference and describes clinical protocols useful in the methods of the present invention.

The antibodies, peptides or mimetics of the present invention may be used to prevent tumors in individuals susceptible to such tumors. According to one aspect of the invention, antibodies are administered prophylactically to individuals susceptible to developing erbB tumors. According to another aspect of the invention, peptides are administered prophylactically to individuals susceptible to developing erbB tumors and/or TNF or IgSF-related pathologies. According to another aspect of the invention, mimetics are administered prophylactically to individuals susceptible to developing erbB tumors and/or TNF or IgSF-related pathologies. Those having ordinary skill in the art can readily determine whether an individual may be susceptible to such tumors. The methods are particularly useful in high-risk individuals who, for example, have a family history of erbB cancer, or show a genetic predisposition. Additionally, the methods are particularly useful to prevent patients from having recurrences of erbB tumors who have had erbB tumors removed by surgical resection or who have been diagnosed as having erbB-cancer in remission. In some preferred embodiments, the cancer is erbB2/erbB1 cancer.

Methods of treatment comprise administering single or multiple doses of the antibodies, peptides or mimetics of the present invention. Preferred for human pharmaceutical use are injectable pharmaceutical compositions that are sterile, pyrogen free and comprise the antibodies, peptides or mimetics in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

The antibodies, peptides or mimetics of the present invention may be used to treat individuals suffering from erbB tumors. According to one aspect of the invention, antibodies are administered to individuals suspected of having such tumors. According to another aspect of the invention, peptide mimetics are administered to individuals suspected of having such tumors. Those having ordinary skill in the art can readily determine whether an individual may have a tumor likely to be an erbB tumor. Biopsy protocols can be performed to identify tumor samples and determine whether or not they are erbB tumors. According to some aspects, the patient is treated with the antibodies, peptides or mimetics in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. For example, following administration of the antibodies, peptides or mimetics, the patient may be treated with a therapeutically effective amount of anti-cancer radiation such as gamma radiation. Moreover, some embodiments provide chemotherapeutic treatment in combination with the antibodies, peptides or mimetics. Other aspects of the invention involve the administration of antibodies, peptides or mimetics in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. In some preferred embodiments, the cancer is erbB2/erbB1 cancer.

The present invention is also useful for preventing erbB tumors or formation of a vaccine for prevention or treatment of erbB tumors. The term “vaccine”, as used herein, broadly refers to any compositions that may be administered to an organism to protect the organism against an infectious disease. The term “protect”, as used herein to describe vaccines, means prevention or treatment of the infectious disease. Vaccines protect against diseases, e.g., erbB tumors, by inducing or increasing an immune response in an organism against infectious agents or against cells that have undergone transition to an abnormal or diseased state. An erbB vaccine, e.g., illicits an immune response against cells that express abnormal amounts or forms of an erbB receptor such as that found on abnormal or transformed cells.

A vaccine generally comprises a therapeutically effective dose of an immunogen (e.g., an antigen) and, preferably, an adjuvant and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

A vaccine may be administered to an organism, e.g., by inhalation or insufflation (either through the mouth or the nose), or by oral, buccal, rectal or parenteral administration (e.g., by subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraorbital, intracapsular, intraspinal, intrasternal or intravenous injection and the like). A vaccine may also be administered by particle-mediated transfer (e.g., using a “particle gun”). See for example, Gainer et al., J. Neurooncol 2000, 47:23-30; Koide et al., Jpn J Pharmacol 2000, 83:167-174; Kuriyama et al., Gene Ther. 2000, 7:1132-1136; and Yamauchi et al, J. Exp. Zool. 2000, 287:285-293. Such particle transfer methods are particularly preferred for DNA or vector vaccines (discussed below), e.g., using a “gene gun”.

A vaccine of the invention may comprise, for example, a polypeptide vaccine or a DNA vaccine. The term “polypeptide vaccine” refers to a vaccine comprising an immunogenic polypeptide, which may be an antigen, and therefore activates an immune response in an organism. The term “DNA vaccine” is an informal term of art, and is used herein to refer to vaccines delivered by means of a recombinant vector. An alternative term used herein is “vector vaccine” (since some potential vectors, for example retroviruses and lentiviruses, are RNA viruses and since in some instances non-viral RNA instead of DNA may be delivered to cells).

The peptides and mimetics disclosed herein may be used in a vaccine. In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises a subdomain IV sequence of an erbB receptor. In a preferred embodiment, the erbB receptor subdomain IV sequence is from human erbB. Most preferably the subdomain IV sequence has a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID: 39, SEQ ID: 40, SEQ ID: 41 and SEQ ID: 42. In other embodiments, the vaccine comprises a peptide of between 10-25 contiguous amino of an erbB receptor subdomain IV. In another embodiment, the vaccine comprises an erbB subdomain IV wherein between 1-10 amino amino acids of the subdomain have been substituted with a conservative amino acid. Such conservative amino acid changes are well known to those in the art.

It is reasonable to expect that an isolated replacement of a leucine with an isoleucine or valine, an aspartate with a glutamate, a threonine with a serine, or a similar replacement of an amino acid with a structurally related amino acid (i.e. isosteric and/or isoelectric mutations) will not have a major effect on the biological activity of the resulting molecule. Conservative replacements are those that take place within a family of amino acids that are related in their side chains. Genetically encoded amino acids can be divided into four families: (1) acidic=aspartate, glutamate; (2) basic=lysine, arginine, histidine; (3) nonpolar=alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan; and (4) uncharged polar=glycine, asparagine, glutamine, cysteine, serine, threonine, tyrosine. In similar fashion, the amino acid repertoire can be grouped as (1) acidic=aspartate, glutamate; (2) basic=lysine, arginine histidine, (3) aliphatic=glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, with serine and threonine optionally be grouped separately as aliphatic-hydroxyl; (4) aromatic=phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan; (5) amide=asparagine, glutamine; and (6) sulfur-containing=cysteine and methionine. (see, for example, Biochemistry, 2^(nd) ed., Ed. by L. Stryer, WH Freeman and Co.: 1981).

Methods of Imaging and Diagnosing Mammalian Tumors

The present invention is also useful, inter alia, to image erbB tumors and TNF or IgSF-related pathologies and otherwise detect or diagnose them.

The antibodies, peptides or mimetics of the present invention can be labeled or otherwise made detectable. For example, a detectable antibody is useful as an imaging agent and reagent in diagnostic procedures that are used to identify tumors. Labeled antibodies can be administered to individuals suspected of suffering from erbB tumor and/or TNF or IgSF-related pathologies. The labeled antibodies will bind to the high density of receptors on cells and thereby accumulate on the tumor cells. Using standard imaging techniques, the site of the tumors can be detected.

One aspect of the invention therefore relates to methods of imaging tumors. Such methods comprise the steps of administering a detectable antibody, peptide or mimetic to an individual who is suffering from or is susceptible to erbB cancer and detecting the location of the detectable antibody, peptide or mimetic within the body of the individual or within a sample obtained from said individual.

The antibodies, peptides or mimetics bind to receptors present on cell surfaces and are therefore useful as diagnostic/characterizing reagents in diagnostic kits. When a tissue sample from an individual is contacted with an antibody, peptide or mimetic, the antibody, peptide or mimetic will bind to the receptors present on cells. Labeled antibodies, peptides or mimetics are also useful as in vitro reagents to quantify the amount of receptors present in the cell. Such information indicates whether or not a tumor is erbB-related and, therefore, whether specific treatments should be used or avoided. Using standard techniques, samples believed to include tumor cells are obtained and contacted with labeled antibodies, peptides or mimetics. After removing any unbound, labeled antibodies, peptides or mimetics, the quantity of labeled antibodies, peptides or mimetics bound to the cell, or the quantity of antibodies, peptides or mimetics removed as unbound, labeled antibodies is determined. The information directly relates to the amount of receptors. This information is useful in formulating the prognosis and course of treatment to be imposed on the individual.

Imaging agents are useful in diagnostic procedures as well as in procedures used to identify the location of tumors. Imaging can be performed by many procedures well-known to those having ordinary skill in the art and the appropriate imaging agent useful in such procedures may be conjugated to antibodies by well-known means. Imaging can be performed, for example, by radioscintigraphy, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT scan). The most commonly employed radiolabels for imaging agents include radioactive iodine and indium. Imaging by CT scan may employ a heavy metal such as an iron chelate. MRI scanning may employ chelates of gadolinium or manganese. Additionally, positron emission tomography (PET) may be possible using positron emitters of oxygen, nitrogen, iron, carbon, or gallium.

In another embodiment, a diagnostic method is provide in which radiolabeled F(ab)′ fragments prepared from the monoclonal antibodies of the present invention are administered to patients. The location and size of the tumor are determined by gamma-scintigraphy to detect the radiolabeled F(ab′) fragments.

In some embodiments, tumors can be diagnosed by contacting tissue portions of the tumor with a antibody being labeled with an indicator. The antibody binds to the erbB oligomer present in the cells of the tissue portion. The indicator is then detected. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the indicator comprises biotinylated horse anti-mouse immunoglobulin and streptavidin-biotinylated-peroxidase. The indicator in detected by contacting the indicator with a chromogenic substrate which preferably comprises 3,3′-diaminobenzidine, hydrogen peroxide and imidazole. The chromogenic substrate is then detected by microscopy.

In some embodiments, tumors can be diagnosed by contacting tissue portions of the tumor with a labeled peptide or mimetic. The labeled peptide or mimetic binds to the erbB receptor present in the cells of the tissue portion. The indicator is then detected. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the indicator comprises biotinylated horse anti-mouse immunoglobulin and streptavidin-biotinylated-peroxidase. The indicator in detected by contacting the indicator with a chromogenic substrate which preferably comprises 3,3′-diaminobenzidine, hydrogen peroxide and imidazole. The chromogenic substrate is then detected by microscopy.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The invention further provides an injectable composition for treatment of a mammalian cancer tumor having cells that express erbB receptors or TNF receptors on the surfaces of the cells. In accordance with the invention, the composition comprises an antibody, peptide or mimetic specific to the shared epitope and a pharmaceutically acceptable injection vehicle.

When a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody, peptide or mimetic of the present invention is administered to an individual who has erbB cancer or TNF or IgSF-related pathology, the proliferation rate of cells is slowed down or eliminated.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered by any means that enables the antibodies, peptides or mimetics to reach the agent's site of action in the body of a mammal. Because proteins are subject to being digested when administered orally, parenteral administration, i.e., intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, would ordinarily be used to optimize absorption. Formulations may be devised which protect the antibodies, peptides or mimetics and render them resistant to many proteases, thus making them orally available.

In addition to pharmaceutical compositions which comprise antibodies, peptides or mimetics alone or in combination with other cancer therapeutics, therapeutic and diagnostic pharmaceutical compositions. The pharmaceutical compositions which comprise conjugated compositions may be used to diagnose or treat individuals suffering from erbB and/or TNF cancer.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered either as individual therapeutic agents or in combination with other therapeutic agents. They can be administered alone, but are generally administered with a pharmaceutical carrier selected on the basis of the chosen route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice.

The compositions may include additional components to render them more effective. For example, a composition of the invention may comprise multiple anti-p185 antibodies. The compositions may include other anti-cancer agents such as, for example, cis-platin, methotrexate, and/or GM-CSF. Such compositions would be particularly useful for administration to patients diagnosed and treated for erbB-associated cancer.

Generally, additives for isotonicity can include sodium chloride, dextrose, mannitol, sorbitol and lactose. In some cases, isotonic solutions such as phosphate buffered saline are used. Stabilizers include gelatin and albumin. In some embodiments, a vasoconstriction agent is added to the formulation. The pharmaceutical preparations according to the present invention are preferably provided sterile and pyrogen free.

One of skill in the art of pharmaceutical formulations, e.g., having an advanced degree in Pharmaceutics or Pharmaceutical Sciences, can prepare a variety of appropriate dosage forms and formulations for the compositions of the invention with no more than routine experimentation. A number of texts in the field, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences and The U.S. Pharmacopoeia/National Formulary, latest editions, provide considerable guidance in this respect, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety

A pharmaceutically acceptable formulation will provide the active ingredient(s) in proper physical form together with such excipients, diluents, stabilizers, preservatives and other ingredients as are appropriate to the nature and composition of the dosage form and the properties of the drug ingredient(s) in the formulation environment and drug delivery system.

Kits

Kits of the invention comprise detectable antibodies and/or peptides and/or mimetics and instructions for performing assays of the invention. Optionally, kits may also contain one or more of the following: containers which comprise positive controls, containers which comprise negative controls, photographs of representative examples of positive results and photographs of representative examples of negative results.

Conjugates

Antibodies, peptides or mimetics may be conjugated to a detectable and/or cytotoxic agent. In conjugated compositions, the antibodies, peptides or mimetics of the invention deliver the active agent to cells. Thus, cells with the receptors will be contacted with more active agents than other cells. The active agent is useful to image, inhibit proliferation of and/or kill the cell. The active agent may be a therapeutic agent or an imaging agent.

Some chemotherapeutic agents may be used as active agents and conjugated with antibodies, peptides or mimetics. Chemotherapeutics are typically small chemical entities produced by chemical synthesis and include cytotoxic drugs, cytostatic drugs as well as antibodies which affect cells in other ways such as reversal of the transformed state to a differentiated state or those which inhibit cell replication. Examples of chemotherapeutics include, but are not limited to: methotrexate (amethopterin), doxorubicin (adrimycin), daunorubicin, cytosinarabinoside, etoposide, 5-4 fluorouracil, melphalan, chlorambucil, and other nitrogen mustards (e.g. cyclophosphamide), cis-platinum, vindesine (and other vinca alkaloids), mitomycin and bleomycin.

Active agents may be toxins: complex toxic products of various organisms including bacteria, plants, etc. Examples of toxins include but are not limited to: ricin, ricin A chain (ricin toxin), Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE), diphtheria toxin (DT), Clostridium perfringens phospholipase C (PLC), bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (BPR), pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), abrin, abrin A chain (abrin toxin), cobra venom factor (CVF), gelonin (GEL), saporin (SAP), modeccin, viscumin and volkensin. Protein toxins may be produced using recombinant DNA techniques as fusion proteins that include peptides of the invention. Protein toxins may also be conjugated to antibodies by non-peptidyl bonds.

Radioisotopes may be conjugated to antibodies, peptides or mimetics to provide compositions that are useful as therapeutic agents or for imaging procedures. Examples of radioisotopes which useful in radiation therapy include: ⁴⁷Sc, ⁶⁷CU, ⁹⁰Y, ¹⁰⁹Pd, ¹²³I, ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I, ¹⁸⁶Re, ¹⁸⁸Re, ¹⁹⁹Au, ²¹¹At, ²¹²Pb and ²¹²Bi. Example of radioisotopes useful in imaging procedures include: ⁴³K ⁵²Fe, ⁵⁷Co, ⁶⁷Cu, ⁶⁷Ga, ⁶⁸Ga, ⁷⁷Br, ⁸¹Rb/^(81M)Kr, ^(87M)Sr, ⁹⁰Y, ^(99M)Tc, ¹¹¹In, ^(113M)In, ¹²³I, ¹⁸F, ⁸⁶Y, ¹²⁷Cs, ¹²⁹Cs, ¹³¹I, ¹³²I, ¹⁹⁷Hg, ²⁰³Pb and ²⁰⁶Bi.

Radiolabels are conjugated to antibodies, peptides or mimetics by a variety of well-known techniques readily performed without undue experimentation by those having ordinary skill in the art. Radiolabels retain their radioactivity irrespective of conjugation. Conjugation may be accomplished directly between the antibody, peptide or mimetic and the radioisotope or linking, intermediate molecular groups may be provided between the antibody, peptide or mimetic and the radioisotope. Crosslinkers are particularly useful to facilitate conjugation by providing attachment sites for each moiety. Crosslinkers may include additional molecular groups which serve as spacers to separate the moieties from each other to prevent either from interfering with the activity of the other. Often imaging can be imaged using fluorescein, which are activated by light. (e.g. fluorescein (green), phycoerythrin (orange), P-E-cyanine-5 (red), P-E-texas red (red), cyanine-3 (orange), cyananine-5 (red), AMCA (ultraviolet detection)

One having ordinary skill in the art may conjugate an antibody, peptide or mimetic to a chemotherapeutic drug using well-known techniques. For example, Magerstadt, M. Antibody Conjugates and Malignant Disease. (1991) CRC Press, Boca Raton, USA, pp. 110-152) which is incorporated herein by reference, teaches the conjugation of various cytostatic drugs to amino acids of an antibody, peptide or to a mimetic. Such reactions may be applied to conjugate chemotherapeutic drugs to the antibody, peptide or mimetic. Antibodies such as peptides which have a free amino group may be conjugated to active agents at that group. Most of the chemotherapeutic agents currently in use in treating cancer possess functional groups that are amenable to chemical crosslinking directly with proteins. For example, free amino groups are available on methotrexate, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, cytosinarabinoside, cis-platin, vindesine, mitomycin and bleomycin while free carboxylic acid groups are available on methotrexate, melphalan, and chlorambucil. These functional groups, that is free amino and carboxylic acids, are targets for a variety of homobifunctional and heterobifunctional chemical crosslinking agents which can crosslink these drugs directly to the single free amino group of a antibody of the invention.

Administration of Pharmaceutical Compositions

The dosage of the compositions of the present invention administered will, of course, vary depending upon known factors such as the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the particular agent, and its mode and route of administration; age, health, and weight of the recipient; nature and extent of symptoms, kind of concurrent treatment, frequency of treatment, and the effect desired. Usually a daily dosage of active ingredient can be about 0.001 to 1 grams per kilogram of body weight, in some embodiments about 0.1 to 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Ordinarily dosages are in the range of 0.5 to 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, and preferably 1 to 10 milligrams per kilogram per day. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions are given in divided doses 1 to 6 times a day or in sustained release form is effective to obtain desired results. In some preferred embodiments, about 5 μg to 5000 mg of antibody, peptide or mimetic may be administered. In some preferred embodiments, 50 μg to 500 mg of antibody, peptide or mimetic may be administered. In other preferred embodiments, 500 μg to 50 mg of antibody, peptide or mimetic may be administered. In a preferred embodiment, 5 mg of antibody, peptide or mimetic is administered.

Compositions may be administered by an appropriate route such as, for example, by oral, intranasal, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or subcutaneous administration. In some embodiments, intravenous administration is preferred. In some embodiments, the composition is administered by intraarterial, intradermal, parenteral, or intratumoral administration. According to some preferred embodiments, the individual has had surgery to remove bulk tumor mass prior to administration of the composition.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the pharmaceutical compositions are administered locally at the site of the tumor. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions are administered directly into the tumor cells and the tissue immediately surrounding the tumor. In some embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are delivered into brain tumors such as, for example, glioblastomas. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions are delivered into brain tumors as part of the surgical resection of the tumor. In some embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are delivered into brain tumors using stereotaxic surgical techniques.

Subsequent to initial administration, individuals may be boosted by readministration. In some preferred embodiments, multiple administrations are performed.

Dosage forms (composition) suitable for internal administration generally contain from about 1 milligram to about 500 milligrams of active ingredient per unit. In these pharmaceutical compositions the active ingredient will ordinarily be present in an amount of about 0.5-95% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

Because conjugated antibody, peptide or mimetic are specifically targeted to cells with erbB, TNF, or IgSF receptors, conjugated antibody, peptide or mimetic which comprise chemotherapeutics or toxins are administered in doses less than those which are used when the chemotherapeutics or toxins are administered as unconjugated active agents, preferably in doses that contain up to 100 times less active agent. In some embodiments, conjugated antibody, peptide or mimetic which comprise chemotherapeutics or toxins are administered in doses that contain 10-100 times less active agent as an active agent than the dosage of chemotherapeutics or toxins administered as unconjugated active agents. To determine the appropriate dose, the amount of antibody, peptide or mimetic is preferably measured in moles instead of by weight. In that way, the variable weight of different antibodies, peptides or mimetics does not affect the calculation. For example, presuming a one to one ratio of antibody to active agent in conjugated compositions of the invention, fewer moles of conjugated antibodies may be administered as compared to the moles of unconjugated antibodies administered, preferably up to 100 times less moles.

For parenteral administration, the antibody, peptide or mimetic can be formulated as a solution, suspension, emulsion or lyophilized powder in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable parenteral vehicle. Examples of such vehicles are water, saline, Ringer's solution, dextrose solution, and 5% human serum albumin. Liposomes and nonaqueous vehicles such as fixed oils may also be used. The vehicle or lyophilized powder may contain additives that maintain isotonicity (e.g., sodium chloride, mannitol) and chemical stability (e.g., buffers and preservatives). The formulation is sterilized by commonly used techniques.

Suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in the most recent edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, A. Osol, a standard reference text in this field which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

For example, a parenteral composition suitable for administration by injection is prepared by dissolving 1.5% by weight of active ingredient in 0.9% sodium chloride solution.

The antibody, peptide or mimetic may be administered to a tissue of an individual topically or by lavage. The antibodies, peptides or mimetics may be formulated as a cream, ointment, salve, douche, suppository or solution for topical administration or irrigation. Formulations for such routes administration of pharmaceutical compositions are well-known.

The present invention is not intended to be limited by any theory. The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples, which are not intended to be limiting in any way.

EXAMPLES Example 1 The Cysteine Rich Subdomain is Responsible for Dimerization of Either Homomeric or Heteromeric erbB Species

The process of homodimerization and heterodimerization in the erbB system has been described (Wada, et al. 1990, Cell, 61:1339-1347). Intermolecular association and trans-phosphorylation of receptor molecules result in activated heterodimeric kinase complexes which may provide qualitative or quantitative differences in phosphotyrosine sites necessary for cellular substrate binding. The basic features of heterodimerization of p185 with the EGFr have now been found for other members of this family. Both erbB3 and erbB4 heterodimerize with HER2/neu indicating that this feature represents a general mechanism of increasing complexity and diversification of receptor function. Dimers may nucleate the formation of tetramers or even more complex assemblies.

Dimerization studies were conducted as described in (Kumagai et al., 2001). Derivatives of p185neu were constructed, to determine which subdomains were required for homo- and heterodimerization. A series of deletion mutants of ectodomain forms of p185neu were created that included a portion of the ectodomain, the transmembrane region, and a few residues of the endodomain linked to a tag (FIG. 1A). Transfection into Cos7 cells of all the mutant species led to comparable expression. The lysates of cells transfected with the neu species and EGFr were lysed and immunoprecipitated with antibodies specific for the His tag found on the neu species (or, for lane 1, anti EGFr) and then blotted with antibodies specific for the VSVG (vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein) tag placed on the EGF receptor (top panel) and the Myc tag on the neu receptor (middle panel). Constructs composed only of subdomain IV associated with the EGFr holoreceptor (FIG. 1B, lane 4.). A fragment of 46 amino acids of subdomain IV, (6CN lane 7) that includes the distal 6 cysteines as its ectodomain, also associates with the EGFr.

In the schematic diagram given in FIG. 1A, numbers refer to amino acid positions from the first Met at N-terminal of Neu or EGFr. Other references are as follows: SP, signal peptide; I, subdomain I; II, subdomain II; III, subdomain III; Iv, subdomain IV; TM, transmembrane domain; hatched squares, TM with single-point mutation (V664G) in transmembrane domain; TK, tyrosine kinase domain; Myc, Myc epitope; His, polyhistidine tag; VSVG, VSVG tag; broken line, deleted region. In FIG. 1B immunoblots (IB) were performed with the antibodies as described infra. The membrane in the upper panel was blotted with anti-VSVG and then reblotted with anti-Myc as indicated in the middle panel. The same total cell lysates were subjected to a nitrocellulose membrane (bottom panel) in order to determine the exogenous expression of EGFr (supra and infra).

Other studies compared the ability of EGF to stimulate MAP kinase activation by the EGFr when these variant p185neu species were also expressed. It was found that the pTex6CN form was able to associate with the EGFr and inhibit the kinase activation of the EGFr. (Kumagai et al., 2001). The terminal 46 amino acids region is composed of cystine knots. These studies emphasize the critical nature of the cystine knot containing regions of erbB as essential for the assembly of erbB receptor complexes.

These results suggested that small forms of cystine knot mimetics might be used as antagonists of receptor oligomerization. These results also provide the framework for developing the new class of MAb reactive with this region of p185 as a means to disable receptor associations as a new approach to preempt or disrupt transforming complexes.

Example 2 erbB Subdomain Iv Cystine Knot Mimetics

A series of peptides was designed to mimic potential dimerization sites in the C-terminal part of the S2 domain of different erbB receptors using molecular models of the dimeric complexes. The peptides were designed based on the molecular model of the subdomain IV of erbB receptors constructed by comparative modeling with the second subdomain of the type-I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R), as well as structures of the TNF receptor and laminin that have similar disulfide bond connectivities (Garrett, et al. 1998, Nature, 394-395-9; Naismith, et al. 1995, J. Biol. Chem., 270:13303-13307; Naismith and Sprang 1998, Trends Biochem Sci, 23:74-9).

The following peptides were constructed:

(SEQ ID NO: 32) B1-S22-ALG (derived from erbB1) YCLVWKYADAGCY; (SEQ ID NO: 31) B2-S22-APE (derived from erbB2) YCPIWKFPDEECY; (SEQ ID NO: 35) B2-S22-AFA (derived from erbB2) YCFPDEEGACY; (SEQ ID NO: 38) B2-S23-BPT (derived from erbB2): PCPINCTHSCVDLDDKG CPAEQRASPLTSI; (SEQ ID NO: 33) B3-S22-APQ (derived from erbB3) YCPIYKYPDVQCY; and (SEQ ID NO: 34) B4-S22-AFD (derived from erbB4) YCFIFKYADPDCY.

Peptides B1-S22-ALG, B2-S22-APE, B2-S22-AFA, B3-S22-APQ and B4-S22-AFD mimic the S22 repeat. B2-S23-BPT was derived from the membrane-proximal S23 repeat. A CD4 receptor-derived cyclic peptide, CD4-G (FCYIGEVEDQCY; SEQ ID NO: 43), was designed as a negative control.

FIG. 2 shows the molecular models of the fourth subdomain of HER2 and mimetic peptides derived from the C-terminal part of this subdomain. B2-S22-AFA is a cyclic peptide that mimics part of the S22 loop. B2-S23-BPT is a bicyclic peptide constrained by two disulfide bonds and represents a whole S23 repeat followed by the juxtamembrane amino acid residues. Molecular modeling indicates close conformational similarity between the constrained mimetic peptides and corresponding loops of the receptor. Based on the existing structural and experimental data, a possible arrangement of the receptor has been proposed, and the S22 domain is suggested as a major inter-receptor interaction site within the complex.

Example 3 Kinetic Binding Analysis of the S22 Peptide

The designed erbB peptides were tested for binding to erbB receptors using surface plasmon resonance (Biacore) technology (described supra) using soluble erbB-1 and erbB-3. The response was plotted in real time in the form of sensorgram curves. Dissociation constants (K_(d)) were determined as described (Park, et al. 2000, Nat. Biotechnol. 18:194-198).

A sensorgram for binding of B2-S22-APE peptide to erbB receptors immobilized on the sensor chip was performed. (FIG. 3A.) Kinetic constants were estimated by global fitting analysis of the titration curves to the 1:1 Langmurian interaction model, which gave a k_(on) of 3.24×10³ M⁻¹s⁻¹, and a k_(off) of 6.85×10⁴ s⁻¹. The k_(off)/k_(on) ratio gave a value of 0.21 μM for the dissociation constant (K_(d)). Good fitting of experimental data to the calculated curves has been observed, suggesting a simple pseudo-first order interaction between the peptide and the receptor.

K_(d) values for other erbB peptides, analyzed in a similar fashion as B2-S22-APE, are presented in Table 1. All erbB peptides showed binding to different erbB receptors. However, no binding could be detected to the immobilized TNF receptor used as a control, indicating selectivity of erbB peptides to the erbB receptor family. A control CD4-G peptide did not bind to any of the studied receptors. Some binding specificity could also be observed for different peptides within the erbB family. Thus, erbB2-derived peptide, B2-S22-APE could bind to the erbB1 receptor better than to erbB2 and erbB3. ErbB1-derived B1-S22-ALG showed preferential binding to erbB3. ErbB2-derived B2-S22-AFA peptide did not have a high specificity within erbB receptors, but showed the best overall binding affinity to all three receptors.

TABLE 1 ErbB receptor-derived peptides. K_(D) (μM) ErbB1 ErbB2 ErbB3 TNFR B2-S23-BPT 2.06 4.23 0.832 >10³ B2-S22-APE 0.210 1.53 1.40 >10³ B1-S22-ALG 0.449 0.371 0.288 >10³ B3-S22-APQ 0.472 0.549 1.07 >10³ B4-S22-AFD 0.583 0.639 0.394 >10³ B2-S22-AFA 0.407 0.302 0.429 >10³ CD4-G >10³ >10³ >10³ >10³ * C-terminus is blocked with NH₂ Binding to the immobilized extracellular domains of the ErbB receptors studied by surface plasmon resonance.

To demonstrate that erbB peptides bind to Sbd IV of erbB receptors, the interaction of the B2-S22-APE peptide with recombinantly expressed erbB2-SbdIV immobilized on the surface chip was determined (FIG. 3B.). The observed binding to erbB2-SbdIV had very similar kinetic constants (k_(on), 1.62×10³ M⁻¹s⁻¹; k_(off), 3.07×10⁻³ s⁻¹) and affinity (K_(D), 1.89 μM) as binding to the whole ectodomain of erbB2 (FIG. 3A; Table 1). Binding of other erbB peptides to erbB2-Sbd IV was undistinguishable from their binding to the full-size erbB2 ectodomain (data not shown), demonstrating that subdomain IV is the binding site for all erbB peptides. Since erbB peptides are derived from subdomain IV of different erbB receptors, this fact indicates direct involvement of subdomain IV in receptor-receptor interactions between the members of erbB receptor family.

Example 4 Inhibition of Receptor Self-Associations

Surface plasmon resonance studies.

The effect of cysteine-knot mimetics on receptor self-associations, was examined using a Biacore assay in which the ectodomains of erbB receptors were immobilized on the surface chip and the ectodomain of erbB3 was injected at 300 nM concentrations either alone or in the presence of 5 μM hereglunin HRGβ1. A very limited degree of receptor-receptor interactions in the absence of heregulin was observed. (FIG. 4; 1′, 2′, 3′.) However, when erbB3 was preincubated with about 17-fold molar excess of HRGβ1, a strong binding to all three erbB receptors was observed (FIG. 4; 1′″, 2′″, 3′″), indicating ligand-induced homo- and heteromerization of the erbB receptor ectodomains. No increase in binding upon preincubation with heregulin was observed for the TNF receptor used as a control (data not shown). Kinetic analysis of the dose response curves (data not shown) revealed that the strongest binding was observed for erbB3-erbB1 heteromerization (K_(D), 2.3 nM), followed by erbB3-erbB3 homomerization (K_(D), 7.2 nM) and erbB3-erbB2 heteromerization (K_(D), 17.9 nM).

In a parallel experiment, it was determined whether similar ligand-induced receptor self-associations could be observed for the erbB 1 receptor injected in the presence of EGF or TGFα. However, no interaction of the injected erbB1 ectodomain (150 nM) with the immobilized receptors could be detected either in the absence or in the presence of the erbB 1 ligands (5 μM), suggesting that at this erbB 1 receptor concentration no significant dimerization is taking place.

The effect of the erbB peptides on heregulin-induced receptor self-associations was studied by preinjecting them at 10 μM followed by injection of erbB3-HRGβ1 (FIG. 4; 1″, 2″, 3″). The B2-S22-AFA peptide effectively inhibited binding of erbB3 to all three immobilized receptors. The highest degree of inhibition was observed for the erbB3-erbB2 heteromerization (82.5%) followed by erbB3-erbB1 heteromerization (78.4%) and erbB3-erbB3 homomerization (61.7%). As a control, either the running buffer or a control peptide (CD4-G) were preinjected instead of the ErbB peptides and showed no effect on receptor self-associations (data not shown).

Values for inhibition of dimerization of different erbB peptides are given in Table 2. As expected from the data for the receptor-binding affinities, B2-S22-APE, which showed the best binding to erbB1 (Table 1), was more effective in disabling interaction of erbB3 with erbB1 than with other receptors (Table 2). Similarly, B1-S22-ALG with the highest erbB3-binding affinity (Table 1) was the strongest inhibitor of erbB3 homodimerization (Table 2). B2-S22-AFA with the strongest overall affinity to the three studied erbB receptors (Table 1), is an effective inhibitor of erbB3-erbB2 and erbB3-erbB 1 interactions (Table 2). B2-S23-BPT, derived from the S23 repeat of erbB2, had the lowest but still significant inhibitory effect, especially on the homomerization of erbB3 (Table 2) to which it binds with the highest affinity compared to other receptors (Table 1).

TABLE 2 Inhibition of ligand-induced ErbB receptor dimerization by ErbB receptor-derived peptides. Percent Inhibition^(a) ErbB1 ErbB2 ErbB3 B2-S23-BPT 41.5 32.3 55.4 B2-S22-APE 80.3 51.1 42.7 B1-S22-ALG 65.2 71.4 75.1 B3-S22-APQ 69.0 58.1 32.4 B4-S22-AFD 60.3 54.2 72.8 B2-S22-AFA 78.4 82.5 61.7 CD4-G 2.4 −1.2 3.1 ^(a)Inhibitory effect of ErbB peptides (10 μm) on the binding of ErbB3 (300 nm) to the immobilized ErbB receptors in the presence of HRGβ1 (5 μM).

Inhibition of Ligand-Induced Dimerization of Native erbB Receptors in 32D Cell Lines.

Effect of the ErbB peptides on biochemically defined dimerization of native full-length ErbB receptors was studied using the 32D cell lines transfected with different erbB receptors. 32D-E1 cells were transfected with erbB1 ; 32D-E2/E3 with erbB2 and erbB3; and 32D-E2/E4 with erbB2 and erbB4. FIGS. 5A and 5B shows the inhibitory effect of 10 μg/ml B3-S22-APQ and B2-S22-AFA on the heregulin-induced erbB2-erbB4 receptor heteromerization in the 32D-E2/E4 cells. While B3-S22-APQ showed a significant inhibitory effect, B2-S22-AFA completely suppressed dimerization at this concentration. (FIG. 5A.) In contrast, no inhibitory effect was observed for the CD4-G peptide used as a control. The observed inhibition of receptor dimerization by B2-S22-AFA was dose-dependent (FIG. 5B) with an apparent IC₅₀ concentration of 0.8 μM. Similar inhibitory effects of B3-S22-APQ and B2-S22-AFA on receptor dimerization were observed in the 32D-E2/E3 cells (data not shown).

Example 5 Biological Activity of the erbB Peptides

MTT Assay

Biological activity of erbB peptides was evaluated by their ability to inhibit cell proliferation using standard 3,(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assays, as described supra (Hansen et al., J. Immunol. Methods 1989, 119, 203-210). HER2-expressing transformed tumor cells (T6-17) were used for this purpose. (Park et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 2000, 18, 194-198). In MTT assays, the peptides inhibited the growth of T6-17 cells, an erbB2-overexpressing transformed cell line, dose-dependently at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 μg/ml. (FIG. 6.) Biological activity of erbB peptides at the optimal concentration of 1 μg/ml was assessed. Each value represents an average of at least four samples. All peptides show inhibitory effects on cell growth. (FIG. 6.) B2-S22-AFA, which has the highest erbB2 receptor-binding affinity (Table 1), was also the most active peptide in the MTT assay. (FIG. 6.)

To determine if the observed biological activities of erbB2 peptides against T6-17 cells correlated with their receptor-binding properties or their inhibitory activity on receptor-receptor interactions, the binding data shown in Table 1 and Table 2 were plotted against the MTT assay data for all studied peptides. (FIGS. 7A and 7B.) There was a strong correlation (r 0.92) between the biological activity and binding affinity to erbB2. Correlation with binding affinities to other erbB receptors (erbB1 and erbB3) was insignificant (r=0.21 and 0.44, respectively). Similarly, a strong correlation (r=0.91) has been observed between the cell-suppressing activity and inhibitory activity against erbB3-erbB2 interactions, but not against erbB3-erbB1 (r=0.29) or erbB3-erbB3 (r=0.17) interactions (FIG. 7B).

Effect on the Viability of 32D Cell Lines.

Inhibitory effects of the erbB peptides on cells over-expressing erbB receptors was tested using the 32D cell lines. Transfection of 32D cells with erbB receptors created transfectants capable of growing in a medium containing either EGF (32D-E1), HRGβ1 (32D-E2/E3 and 32D-E2/E4) or IL3 (supplement WEHI medium, all three cell lines). (Wang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1998, 95, 6809-6814.) FIG. 8A shows the effect of different erbB peptides on the viability of the 32D transfectants grown in the erbB ligand medium. The strongest inhibitory effect was observed for the 32D-E1 cells (grown in the EGF medium). Effect on the 32D-E2/E3 and 32D-E2/E4 cells (grown in the HRGβmedium) was less pronounced but also significant (FIG. 8A). However, when same cell lines were grown in the IL3 supplement WEHI medium, no significant effect on cell viability could be detected for any of the studied peptides (FIG. 8B), confirming that the observed inhibition of cell survival by the ErbB peptides is mediated by their specific effect on the ErbB receptor signaling but not on IL-3-related signaling.

ErbB peptides described in this study represent constrained mimics of the loops or repeats present in the subdomain IV of the erbB receptors and based on our molecular modeling studies, show a high degree of structural similarity with the template receptor regions. The interactions observed for the erbB peptides are also displayed by the corresponding sites of the native erbB receptors and play a certain role in their metabolic activity. Information obtained for the B2-S23-BTE peptide is especially valuable. Unlike other designed erbB peptides, it does not mimic a single loop, but rather represents a C-terminal membrane-proximal portion of the erbB2 ectodomain. Thus, since the C-terminal portion of erbB2 (B2-S23-BPT) can bind to all three studied erbB receptors (Table 1), this property is also likely to be expected from the full-length native erbB2 receptor. The fact that erbB peptides are not specific to any particular erbB receptor but are highly specific to the erbB family (Table 1), suggests that the C-terminal part of subdomain IV is a receptor-receptor interaction site shared by all erbB receptors. Since all erbB peptides could bind to their respective parental receptor and to other erbB receptors (Table 1), these sites can participate in both homo- and heteroreceptor self-associations.

The observed inter-receptor interactions involving the C-terminal portion of subdomain IV are important for receptor function. The inhibition by the erbB peptides resulted in a dramatic suppression of the cell growth. Significant correlation was found between peptides binding to erbB2, their inhibition of erbB3-erbB2 binding, and their inhibitory activity against erbB2-overexpressing T6-17 cells in the MTT assay.

The observed biological activities of erbB peptides were mediated by their binding to the erbB2 receptor and by blocking receptor-receptor interactions that involve erbB2; erbB peptide-induced inhibition of cell growth in 32D cells transfected with erbB receptors has also been shown to be specifically mediated by the erbB receptor pathway. Indeed, strong inhibition of cell growth has been observed only when the cells were grown in the erbB ligand medium. In contrast, no inhibition occurred via an erbB receptor-independent pathway when the cells were grown in the IL3 supplement (WEHI) medium.

In summary, erbB receptor signaling can be inhibited by rationally designed interface peptide mimetics derived from the subdomain IV of erbB receptor ectodomains. The mimetics specifically bind to the receptors of the erbB family and block inter-receptor interactions which leads to the growth inhibition of HER2-overexpressing cells in vitro. Since all four erbB receptors represent a therapeutic target, peptide mimetics that selectively bind to this receptor family and disable their activity could have an advantage over drugs that are specific to a single member of the erbB family. The study also demonstrates the importance of the C-terminal part of subdomain IV for receptor-receptor interactions involved in signaling by erbB family members.

Example 6 Solubility and Stability of S22-AFA Analogs

Enhancement of solubility of S22-AFA analogs can be accomplished by modifying certain residues that should not affect activity. The following changes (boldface) are made to increase the solubility:

(1) YCF(Y)PDEEGACY-OH (SEQ ID NO: 3; SEQ ID NO: 12) (2) YCFPDEEGACYK-NH ₂ (SEQ ID NO: 25) (3) YCFPDEEGACYGGS (SEQ ID NO: 26) (4) GGSYCFPDEEGACY-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO: 6)

Example 7 Creation of Mab which Bind to Interaction Surfaces

MAb specific to dimerization domains are made from: (1) Recombinantly purified p185 subdomain IV fragment; (2) Improved S22-AFA analogs; and (3) other immunogens. Using both the subdomain IV fragment, and cysteine-knot peptides will yield high quality cross-reactive MAb. These species are used to immunize Balb/c mice to create a specific dimer surface inhibitory monoclonal species. S22-AFA is coupled to a carrier species as described previously (Jacob, et al, 1985; Williams, et al, 1989, J. Immunol., 142: 4392-4400; Christodoulides, et al, 1993, J. Genetic Microbiology, 139:1729-1738). The subdomain IV fragment is used as is. Mab production employs a scheme described previously (Drebin, et al. 1986, Symp Fundam Cancer Res, 38:277-289; Drebin, et al. 1986, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83:9129-9133). Briefly, BALB/c (H-2^(d)) mice will be immunized with 100 μg of the most efficacious S22-AFA species or soluble subdomain IV (in equal volumes of complete Freund's adjuvant) subcutaneously and then boosted 3 times intraperitoneally with 50 μg/injection. Three days after the final boost, fusions are performed using spleen cells and the fusion partner Sp2/0-Ag14. Screening of fusions will employ an ELISA with S22-AFA deposited in the wells. Other screening assays to be used include FACS analysis of T6-17 cells expressing HER2/neu.

MAb are generated and selected for their ability to bind S22-AFA peptide forms and to bind to Her2/neu on cells and are evaluated functionally in vitro in anchorage independent and dependent type studies.

MAb are evaluated for in vivo effects on tumors using EGFr, Her2/neu, and EGFr and Her2/neu transformed cells (see above). 10 μg MAb is administered by intraperitoneal injection three times a week from the day of tumor xenograft. Injection of irrelevant anti-CD4 MAb or PBS serves as a control. Inhibiting the formation of oligomeric receptor forms will affect phenotype. The effect of co-treatment with doxorubicin/adriamycin which has been shown an increased effect on cells treated with antibodies (Park et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 2000, 18, 194-198) is also examined. Tumor growth is monitored by volume measurement.

Example 8 Development of Cystein Rich Domain (CRD) Reactive Monoclonal Antibodies

Cell lines transfected with erbB constructs are used as immunogens to create cysteine rich domain reactive MAb that are compared with the mimetics in terms of biological activity. NR6 cells transfected with pTex3-4, pTex4 and pTec6CN (See FIG. 1A and Kumagai et al, 2001) are used as immunogens. The fusion scheme is as described previously (Drebin, et al. 1986, Symp Fundam Cancer Res 38:277-289; Drebin, et al. 1986, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83:9129-9133). Briefly, BALB/c (H-2^(d)) mice are immunized with the cell line subcutaneously and then boosted 3 times intraperitoneally with 10⁷ cells. Three days after the final boost, fusions are performed using spleen cells and the fusion partner Sp2/0-Ag14. The SP2/0-Ag14 fusion partner secretes no free light chain. Hybridoma cell lines will be screened by FACS analysis against pNeu, pTex3, pTex3-4 (subdomains III and IV), pTex4 (subdomain IV only) and pTex6CN. Controls include NR6 cells, cells which express EGFr alone and pNex 1, 2, and 3 (subdomains I, II, and III) and a cell line that expresses only subdomain I, pTex1 cells. Cell lines provide an unambiguous screening array for this class of MAb. Colonies producing antibodies of the desired specificity are subcloned three times by limiting dilution. Subtypes for MAb are identified using the Mouse Monoclonal Antibody Subtyping Kit (Gibco BRL).

Experimental Procedures.

Peptide Synthesis and Cyclization

Linear peptides (95% purity) were ordered from the Protein Chemistry Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania. Peptide purity and identity was confirmed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP HPLC) and MALDI mass-spectrometry, using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MicroMass TofSpec; Micromass Inc., Beverly, Mass.). The peptides were cyclized by air oxidation in distilled water adjusted to pH 8.0 with (NH₄)₂CO₃ at 0.1 mg/ml and 4° C. Progress of the oxidation was controlled by measuring amounts of free thiols with 5,5′-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB). Briefly, 0.4 ml of a peptide (0.1 mg/ml) and 5 μl of DTNB (20 mM) were added to 0.2 ml of 0.1M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 8.0. Absorbance at 412 nm was measured and compared with the linear unoxidized peptides. The cyclized peptides were lyophilized and their purity analyzed by RP HPLC using a CIS semi-preparative column (Waters, Milford, Mass.). Typically, purity of higher than 95% was obtained for the cyclized peptides. Aliquotes of 1 mM stock solutions have been prepared for each peptide and kept at −20° C. to be thawed prior to the binding or bioassay studies. Peptide concentrations were confirmed by UV spectrofotometry using extinction coefficients at 280 nm calculated for each peptide as described in Gill et al., (Anal Biochem 1989, 182, 319-326).

Expression of the GST Fusion Protein of Subdomain IV of erbB2.

The DNA fragment encoding the subdomain IV of erbB2 (erbB2-SbdIV) was generated by polymerase chain reaction. The upstream primer was 5′-CGCCCGGATCCTGGCCTGCCACCAGCTGTGC-3′ [SEQ ID NO: 44] and the downstream primer was 5′-CGCCCGCGGCCGCCGCAGAGATGATGGAGTCAG-3′. [SEQ ID NO: 45] These two primers were designed to include BamHI and Not I restriction sites, respectively, for inframe insertion into the BamHI/Not I linearized pGEX-5X-3 vector. Recombinant vector was used to infect Escherichia coli BL-21 (DE3). 100 ml of the 2XYT medium were inoculated with 10 ml of the overnight culture and grown at 37° C. until the OD₆₀₀ of 0.4-0.5 was reached. IPTG was added to the medium at the final concentration of 0.1 mM and grown for 2 hrs. The cells were spun down by centrifugation at 4,000 g for 10 min and resuspended with 5 ml of cold PBS (with DTT, PMSF and aprotinin at the final concentration of 5 mM, 1 mM and 1 μg/ml respectively). After sonication on ice, Triton X-1100 was added to the final concentration of 1% and the solution was rocked at 4° C. for 1 hr and centrifuged at 10,000 g for 10 min. 100 μl of glutathione sepharose bead was then added to the supernatant. It was rocked at 4° C. for 2-4 hrs, centrifuged and washed three times with PBS. 100 μl elution buffer was added followed by rotation for 10 min at room temperature, centrifugation at 300 g for 1 min and collection of the supernatant. Elutions were repeated three times and combined.

Interaction Studies

Binding experiments were performed with the surface plasmon resonance based biosensor instrument Biacore 3000 (Biacore AB, Uppsala, Sweden), at 25° C. Recombinant purified erbB receptors were provided by Dr. Che Law, Xcyte Therapeutics, Seattle, Wash. (erbB2) and Dr. Mark A. Lemmon, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (erbB1 and erbB3). Immobilization of the erbB receptors in the sensor surface was performed following the standard amine coupling procedure according to manufacturer's instructions. Briefly, 35 μl of a solution containing 0.2 M N-ethyl-N′-(dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and 0.05 M N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS), were injected at a flow rate of 5 μl/min to activate carboxyl groups on the sensor chip surface. Receptors (40 ng/ml in 10 mM NaOAc buffer, pH 5.0) were flowed over the chip surface at a flow rate of 20 μl/min until the desired level bound protein was reached. Unreacted protein was washed out and unreacted activated groups were blocked by the injection of 35 μl of 1 M ethanolamine at 5 μl/min. The final immobilization response of each receptor was 3,500 RU. A reference surface was generated simultaneously under the same conditions but without receptor injection and used as a blank to correct for instrument and buffer artifacts. Peptides were injected at variable concentrations at 20 μl/min flow rate and binding to the receptors immobilized on the chip was monitored in real time. Each sensorgram consists of an association phase (first 240 s), reflecting binding of the injected peptide to the receptor, followed by a dissociation phase (300 s), during which the running buffer is passed over the chip and the bound peptide is being washed off the receptor surface.

MTT Assay

The MTT assay has been used for measuring cell growth as previously described in Hansen et al (J. Immunol. Methods 1989, 119, 203-210). Briefly, T6-17 cells were seeded in 96-well plates overnight in DMEM containing 10% FBS (1000 per well). T6-17 is derived from NIH3T3 by overexpressing the human erbB2 receptor. Cells were cultured in 100 μl of fresh medium containing 1 μg/ml of erbB peptides for 48 hours. This incubation time was optimal for measuring inhibitory effects of different analogs. No improvements in the inhibitory activity could be achieved by increasing the incubation period. 25 μl of MTT solution (5 mg/ml in PBS) were added to each well, and after 2 hours of incubation at 37° C., 100 μl of the extraction buffer (20% w/v of SDS, 50% N,N-dimethyl formamide, pH 4.7) were added. After an overnight incubation at 37° C., the optical density at 600 nm was measured using an ELISA reader.

Cell Viability and Crosslinking Analysis on 32D Cell Lines.

32D cell transfectants with ErbB receptors (gift from Dr. Jacalyn H. Pierce, National Cancer Institute) were grown in RPMI 1640, 10% FBS and 5% WEHI medium (GenoQuest, Interlukin-3 supplement) and respective antibiotics, i.e. 32D-E1 (gpt^(r)), 32D-E2/E3 (neo^(r)/gpt^(r)) and 32D-E2/E4 (neo^(r)/gpt^(r)) (29). The WEHI medium was withdrawn and cells were pre-incubated with ErbB peptides for 2 hours at 37° C. before adding 10 μg/ml EGF (for 32D-E1, Collaborative Biomedical Products) or 10 μg/ml HRGβ1 (for 32D-E2/E3 or 32D E2/E4, R & D Systems) and further incubated at 37° C. for 24-48 hours. The cell viability was detected with propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry quantification. For the cross-linking analysis, approximately 2×10⁶ cells were suspended in RPMI 1640 medium containing 0.1% BSA and 10 mM HEPES, and pre-incubated with ErbB peptides for 2 hours at 37° C. before adding 10 μg/ml EGF or 10 μg/ml Heregulin-β1 EGF domain and further incubated at 37° C. for 10-15 minutes. Cells were rinsed with PBS and incubated in 2 mM BS³/PBS at 4° C. for 45 minutes. Cell lysate was immunoprecipitated with anti-ErbB2 or anti-ErbB3 antibody (Santa Cruz), and immunoblotted with anti-pTyr (PY20, Santa Cruz).

Model Building.

Homology modeling of erbB2-SbdIV and erbB 1 ectodomain was performed with Quanta/Protein design (Molecular Simulations Inc.) on the basis of template crystal structures of laminin g1III3-5 (1KLO) for erbB2-SbdIV and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (1 IGR) for erbB 1. The sequences were aligned manually using the Sequence Viewer by matching positions of conservative cysteine residues and inserting gaps to adjust the lengths of the inter-cysteine spacings. Frameworks for the molecular models were generated by using coordinates from the template structures for manually selected matching residues of the modeled proteins. Missing coordinates for peptide segments that did not have counterpart in the template structures were calculated by either “Regularizing Region” and “Model Side Chains” tools (for short loops) or by modeling loop conformation using a “Congen” (Li et al., 1997, Protein Sci., 6, 956-970; Tejero, R., et al., 1996, Protein Sci., 5, 578-592) program (for longer loops). The final monomeric structures were then obtained by running the CHARMm energy minimization in the RTF mode. To construct a dimeric erbB 1-EGF model, the following assumptions were made based on the existing experimental evidence: erbB1-EGF complex has a 2:2 stoichiometry (Lemmon M. A., et al., 1997, EMBO J., 16, 281-294); the C-terminal part of subdomain IV is a dimeric interaction site (based on our results described below); the N-terminus of bound EGF is close (within about 15 Å) to TyriO1 (subdomain I) of erbB1 (Woltjer, R. L., et al., 1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89, 7801-7805; the C-terminal Arg45 of bound EGF is close (within about 15 Å) to Lys465 (subdomain III) of erbB1 (Summerfield, A. E., et al., 1996, J. Biol. Chem., 271, 19656-19659; the N-terminus of EGF bound to erbB1 is about 67 Å (from 52 to 82 Å) away from the membrane surface (Carraway, K. L., 1990, Biochem., 29, 8741-8747; maximal dimensions of erbB 1 are about 110 Å for the monomer and 120 Å for the dimer (Tejero, R., et al., 1996, Protein Sci., 5, 578-592); EGF binds to the second face of subdomain III (Jorissen, R. N., 2000, Protein Sci., 9, 310-324. Orientations of complex-forming two erbB1 and two EGF (PDB code, 3EGF) molecules were adjusted manually to satisfy the criteria listed above based on two different models of the complex arrangement. The final dimeric models were minimized using the CHARMm energy minimization tool. These dimeric complex models have a low resolution nature and may have a degree of error in the positioning of the constituent molecules with respect to each other.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended that all such variations fall within the scope of the invention.

The entire disclosure of each patent, patent application, or other publication cited herein is hereby incorporated by reference.

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Each reference cited herein is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

1. An isolated peptide having the formula: R₁-R₂-R₃-R₄-R₅-R₆-R₇ wherein: R₁ is 1-6 amino acid residues, at least one of which is tyrosine or phenylalanine; R₂ is cysteine or penicillamine; R₃ is a bond; R₄ is 7-8 amino acids; R₅ is a bond; R₆ is cysteine or penicillamine; R₇ is 1-5 amino acid residues, at least one of which is tyrosine or phenylalanine; wherein: R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are 30 amino acids or less; R₁ is selected from the group consisting of F; S-Y; G-S-Y; Y; G-G-S-Y (SEQ ID NO:21); and G-G-G-S-Y (SEQ ID NO:22); R₂ and R₆ are connected by a bond to cyclicize said peptide; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of F-P-D-E-E-G-A (SEQ ID NO:1); and F-Y-P-D-E-E-G-A (SEQ ID NO:2); and R₇ is selected from the group consisting of F; Y-G-G-S (SEQ ID NO:27); Y-G-G-G (SEQ ID NO:23); Y-G-G-G-S (SEQ ID NO:24); Y; Y-G, and Y-G-G.
 2. The peptide of claim 1 wherein R₁ comprises S-Y, G-S-Y, F or Y.
 3. The peptide of claim 1 wherein R₁ consists of S-Y, G-S-Y, F or Y.
 4. The peptide of claim 1 wherein R₂ is cysteine, R₆ is cysteine and R₁ comprises S-Y.
 5. The peptide of claim 1 wherein R₁ comprises S-Y.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The peptide of claim 1 wherein R₄ is SEQ ID NO:1.
 8. The peptide of claim 1 wherein R₄ is SEQ ID NO:
 2. 9. The peptide of claim 1 wherein R₇ is selected from the group consisting of Y, Y-G, and Y-G-G.
 10. The peptide of claim 1 wherein R₁ comprises F or Y.
 11. The peptide of claim 1 wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇, taken together, are less than 20 amino acids.
 12. The peptide of claim 1 wherein said peptide has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 4-20, 25, and
 26. 13. The peptide of claim 1 wherein said peptide comprises an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:21. 14-17. (canceled)
 18. A conjugated composition comprising a peptide according to claim 1 linked to one or more detectable agent, cytotoxic agent or chemotherapeutic agent.
 19. The conjugated composition of claim 18 wherein said peptide is linked to a detectable agent, said detectable agent being a radioisotope.
 20. (canceled)
 21. The conjugated composition of claim 18 wherein said peptide is linked to a cytotoxic agent selected from the group consisting of cytotoxic drugs, toxins and cytostatic drugs.
 22. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide according to claim 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. 23-50. (canceled) 